Two steps forward and a crushing blow

Today started really hopefully but I was very nervous. For the first time since the project started, we had the potential to close our first permit this week. We had our final mechanical inspection scheduled today, which could have been the last inspection.

The good news is that we passed final mechanical with no problem. I went to the permit office at 7:30 to make sure the same inspector is coming out. One of the difficulties in this city is that often another inspector comes out the second time around and gives you a brand new list of corrections. It's like hitting a moving target. I had to have my electrical panel inspected 4 times because of this.

The inspector said we needed to have a final building inspection as well, and he did it while he was here. He found two really minor things - bathroom caulking and tree trimming - and one MAJOR thing. In every bedroom, one window needs to meet "egress," which is a combination of measurements that make sure people can get out or firefighters can get in if there is an emergency. I knew about this, but the city was somewhat vague when I first went in and didn't give me anything in writing (the inspector did) and as a result, I dropped the ball. I don't know where or how I messed up because I really thought I had it covered. In addition, this should have been caught by the prior contractor we were working with who measure for replacement windows, and it should have been caught by the guy who sold me the windows.

It is a huge bummer. It will be very expensive to fix and take a lot of time. It is also a big step back because those windows have all been patched inside and out, and I've spent hours finishing the woodwork. One saving grace is that we almost bought shades two weeks ago - I'm glad we didn't!

So, we are off to solve the next heartbreak.