Building Code Questions & Second Opinions

Talk to a plans examiner about your project.

A correction letter, a failed inspection, a contractor's bid that doesn't look right, or a plain question about whether something is up to code. Book a call of up to 45 minutes, by phone or video, and get a straight answer.

Request a call - $149 What we can cover

Travis Smith, ICC-Certified Residential Plans Examiner. The same certification your building department's plan reviewer holds - working for you.

What the call covers

Correction letters and plan check comments.What each comment is asking for, whether it applies to your project, and what to send back. More on permit corrections
Failed inspections.What the inspector cited, what it takes to pass reinspection, and who should fix it. More on failed inspections
Is this up to code?Framing, stairs, egress windows, guards, smoke and CO alarms, and the rest of the residential code.
Energy code, REScheck and Manual J.Which document your permit needs, and why one came back. REScheck rejected?
Contractor work and second opinions.Whether the work meets code and normal workmanship, and whether a bid or scope covers what the job needs.

Residential only: one- and two-family homes, townhouses, additions, ADUs and remodels.

Why ask me

I'm not bidding your job. I have no stake in which contractor you hire, what the fix costs, or who does it, so I have no reason to make a problem sound bigger or smaller than it is.

I've also spent years running residential jobs, so I know what normal workmanship looks like in the field, not just on paper.

Disputes with a contractor

I give a technical opinion: is it code, is it standard workmanship, and what to ask your contractor or the building department for. This is not legal advice.

How it works

Tell me what's going on

Use the form below. Paste the correction letter or inspection notice if you have one.

Pick a time

I reply by email with times for the call and a link to pay. If it's urgent, say so in your message.

Talk it through

Up to 45 minutes by phone or video. Have your plans, photos or the notice in front of you.

Need a REScheck after?

Order one within 30 days of the call and it's half price.

$149 for a call of up to 45 minutes. A REScheck ordered within 30 days of the call is half price.

Request a call

Would you rather have it in writing? Plan review Tier 1 ($149) answers every comment in one correction letter, with sheet references.