Building and Fire Officials Slam Third Party Inspection Bill (HB128) - AIA Ohio
The recent introduction of HB 128, which seeks to permit building owners and contractors to engage the services of third-party private inspectors for building inspection, has sparked a firestorm of opposition from local building departments and fire safety organizations. Over a dozen opponents, most of whom are members of these organizations, have come out strongly against the bill, citing concerns over safety, liability, and the integrity of the inspection process.
While the use of third-party inspection companies is not a new concept in the construction industry, the bill proposes to allow building owners and contractors to bypass the traditional route of working with local building departments and fire safety organizations. This move has raised significant concerns, particularly around the lack of oversight and accountability in the inspection process, as well as the potential for such companies to falsify or overlook vital safety standards and building codes.
Opponents of the bill argue that the use of third-party inspectors cannot replace the level of scrutiny and assessment offered by local building departments and fire safety organizations, whose inspectors have extensive training, experience, and knowledge of local and state building codes.
In addition, concerns have been raised about the potential for conflicts of interest and unethical practices, particularly if building owners or contractors are allowed to select their own inspectors. This could lead to favoritism, compromised inspection reports, and an overall undermining of the safety and quality of buildings constructions.
Furthermore, critics point out that the use of third-party inspectors could result in significant risks and liabilities for building owners and contractors, particularly if an inspector fails to identify a safety hazard or overlooks a critical building code violation. Such situations could lead to costly lawsuits and reputational damage for businesses and individuals, further emphasizing the importance of a robust inspection process that prioritizes safety and compliance.
Despite these concerns, supporters of the bill argue that the use of third-party inspection companies can provide a cost-effective solution and expedite the inspection process, particularly for smaller building projects or those located in remote or rural areas that might not have access to local inspection services.
However, opponents maintain that cost and convenience should not come at the expense of safety, and that the current system of working with local building departments and fire safety organizations exists to ensure the safety and quality of buildings.
The debate around third-party inspection is likely to continue, as the bill makes its way through the legislative process. In the meantime, businesses and individuals looking to ensure safe and compliant building construction should approach this issue with caution and carefully consider the potential risks and benefits when considering third-party inspection services.