A building inspector’s career is filled with daily challenges, often in many forms. Historically, inspectors have been perceived as the “bad guys,” enforcing building codes in ways that sometimes generate unfavorable opinions. One of the most common complaints revolves around an inspector’s demeanor and choice of words—particularly the phrase: “You Failed.”
Let’s take a moment to examine why this statement can turn an otherwise professional encounter into a contentious one. When we use words like “I” or “You” in a statement, we assign personal ownership to the issue at hand. Saying “You Failed” shifts the focus from the work being evaluated to the person receiving the feedback. Instead of assessing compliance, it can feel like a personal judgment. A more constructive approach is to say, “There are some corrections required,” followed by a thorough explanation of what needs to be addressed. Taking a few extra minutes to communicate effectively can prevent misunderstandings and reduce future conflicts.
Early in my career, like many others, I was eager to assert my authority on job sites. Some veteran building officials would even say, “If they’re not coming in to complain about you, you’re not doing your job right.” I adopted this mindset and lived by it for years—until one day, I realized I was carrying unnecessary frustration. I was taking things personally, assigning myself ownership of conflicts that had nothing to do with me, and unknowingly fueling confrontations. My attitude reflected that negativity, shaping my interactions before they even began.
Recognizing that I was contributing to negative encounters, I started evaluating what it truly meant to be a successful building inspector. I asked myself: Why am I acting this way? What am I gaining from this? Who benefits from these interactions? The end goal was always a code-compliant structure—but could that be achieved without the arguments and tensions?
By reassessing my approach, I identified flaws in how I handled situations, and much of it traced back to my language. Phrases like “I failed you,” “I need to see this,” or “It failed because I said so” unintentionally placed blame rather than fostering solutions. Shifting my perspective allowed me to build better relationships with contractors and owners while still ensuring compliance.
At the end of the day, our role as inspectors isn’t just about enforcing codes—it’s about guiding projects toward safe and successful completion. A small change in wording can make a significant difference, turning “Can’t” into “Can” and improving the way we work together.
