Bruce Hopewell, one of the two Building Inspectors for the Town of Addison, spoke to the Addison Pacesetters (Addison, Texas residents 50+ years of age) on Wednesday, and everyone was surprised by what he had to say. The Pacesetters meet the first Wednesday of each month at Dunn Bros. Coffeehouse on Belt Line Road and learn about the Town of 
Addison through employees who work in various departments. This month, Bruce told us about building permits and inspections of residential properties.
Here are some interesting tidbits from Bruce's presentation:
- A permit is required if you're having your roof replaced! This came as a shock to most of us attending. Almost all of us had hail damage in the spring, and hammers are ringing, tar paper is flying throughout the town. But only one or two Pacesetters knew about the permit requirement. The roofers should know and should be getting the permits from the Town of Addison.
- Both of Addison's full time inspectors are named Bruce; Bruce Hopewell and Bruce Ellis.
- The Bruce who spoke to us owned a roofing company for 24 years before coming to work for the Town, so he knows what he's talking about, especially when it comes to roofs.
- Once a roof has been replaced, the inspector will check to make sure that the furnance pipes and water heater pipes are connected and not touching wood. They do not climb on the roof, but they do go into the attic.
- 35% of inspections fail, but it is not always the roofer's fault.
- The purpose of the building code is to keep people safe.
- Besides new roofs, permits are also required for:
- fence replacement or repair to more than 50% of the fence
- new electrical work
- ceiling fans installed on the outside of the house
- water heater replacement
- furnace and/or compressor (HVAC) replacement
- replacement of electrical panels
- bathroom additions and/or shower installations
If you've already had your roof replaced in Addison but the roofers did not pull a permit, don't worry. It's not your fault! If you're not sure if your roofers got a permit, call the roofing company and ask them for the permit number. If there was a permit, you've probably already been visited by one of the Bruces for an inspection. If not, call the Building Inspection department and request an inspection. Be safe!
One other note of interest: Bruce Hopewell is also a licensed TREC home inspector. He cannot inspect Addison homes for buyers, but will inspect homes outside of the Town of Addison.
If you're not an Addison resident and would like to become one, please contact me about purchasing a condo, townhome, duplex or single family home in Addison, Texas. Addison is a great place to live, work and play!
Next month, the first Wednesday is August 3rd. Come out and join the Addison Pacesetters at Dunn Bros.
