As we put 2017 behind us, we look back and reflect on everything that happened in Texas. We experienced floods, tornadoes, wind storms, hail storms, and Hurricane Harvey. As an organization, we banded together and helped the citizens of Texas with an awesome Disaster Response Team. Under the leadership of Jim Olk, Jeffery Widmer, and … Read more
When you think about the relationship between a building inspector and a contractor, what comes to mind? Do you think about Tom and Jerry, Batman and the Joker, or maybe the Hatfields and McCoys? I believe that image is changing. The days of contractors enacting “fight or flight” when the inspector arrives onsite is quickly … Read more
Why do we volunteer? I would say we give our time to help others because today it’s them and tomorrow it might be us. About two years ago, I attended the BOAT Annual Conference in Sugar Land. While there, I attended training on disaster response. After two days of sessions and an exam by the … Read more
BOAT would like to recognize and offer an enthusiastic “thank you“ to Smart Vent for their very generous gift of 10 new iPads, which will be used by BOAT’s Disaster Response Team when responding to disasters within our great state. BOAT acknowledges the efforts by Smart Vent President Mike Graham, Vice President Tom Little, and … Read more
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has been working diligently over the last year to onboard the Code Enforcement Officers Licensing/Registration Program. Prior to accomplishing this feat, TDLR embarked upon what proved to be an extremely successful outreach effort to ensure licensees throughout the state were well informed of estimated timelines, expected … Read more
When visiting with other building officials at a meeting or lunch, I am frequently asked about our building department and how we are doing. Like many of you, we are busy with development activity. Keeping up with our workload and providing exemplary service is important. One of the best initiatives we pursued to help us … Read more
Common misconceptions exist among designers, architects, and code officials regarding multiple buildings on the same lot, additions to existing buildings, and fire separation distance. Frequently, incomplete consideration is given to fire separation distance and allowable openings, or these professionals believe an arbitrary distance (such as 10 feet) is required between buildings. Generally, the issue is … Read more
Prior to getting started in the building inspection business nearly 20 years ago, I had very little knowledge about plumbing and its importance to the nation’s health. Like most people, I turned on the tap and clean water flowed. When I flushed the commode, the water magically swirled around and disappeared. I had no idea … Read more
A police officer stops at a ranch and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, “I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs.” The rancher says, “Okay, but do not go in that field over there” as he points out the location. The police officer verbally explodes saying “Mister, I have … Read more
When I think about the Building Officials Association of Texas (BOAT), I am thankful that I became part of the organization. BOAT is filled with qualified men and women who are willing to help answer any question you have. It has members who are active in the International Code Council (ICC), and members who are … Read more