City introduces Ask an Inspector program for home project question

STERLING HEIGHTS — There’s no secret code to participate in a new program that connects residents to a building inspector’s guidance on home improvement projects.

During a June 7 Sterling Heights City Council meeting, City Manager Mark Vanderpool introduced a new program called Ask an Inspector. He said the program’s purpose is to help streamline how residents navigate the city’s specifications for home remodeling or repairs. The program is especially timely for the summer deck- and shed-building season, he added.

City Building Official Frank Bayer said the Ask an Inspector program will better inform residents about permitting and will make the building process go more smoothly, benefiting all parties. He added that the city is trying to make the question-and-answering process as easy and stress-free as possible.

“When I was a contractor, I found it pretty intimidating,” he said.

Bayer said he has read messages from frustrated residents about building issues on Facebook before, and he wondered why they’re not simply calling the Building Department.

“We’ve always been happy to answer questions to people when they call,” he said.

Bayer said the department’s staff brainstormed outreach strategies and decided to form the Ask an Inspector program. He called it unique, as it lets residents reserve an appointment to sit down and get project consultation from a city inspector on any requirements, as well as receive brochures or paperwork packet material. He said the staff typically answers via phone “within a day.”

“You come in, you want to talk about building a shed or garage, you’ll leave with that packet. You’ll leave with an explanation of what needs to be put on it,” Bayer explained.

Bayer added that the city is promoting the program on its website and Facebook pages. According to the city’s Ask an Inspector webpage, the program can also guide residents through the codes and required permits involved with installing a pool or building a fence.

Bayer added that the city is also corresponding with managers from big box stores like Home Depot to make them aware of the program. In addition, they are working with the Chaldean Community Foundation to arrange a translator for people who need one, he said.

“We started this (Ask an Inspector) program in about April, beginning of April,” he said. “We’ve had over 70 contacts with residents so far, and about half of them resulted in face-to-face visits in our office.

“We actually have one inspector who takes it a little further, and he actually will meet you out at your home if you want to talk about an addition, a deck, shed, anything like that.”

Bayer added that the Building Department is also considering expanding the program to help new businesses with zoning and building regulations.

Vanderpool praised the department for making its Ask an Inspector program.

“I think this will be on the cutting edge for others to copy, as well,” the city manager said.

Learn more about the Ask an Inspector program by visiting www.sterling-heights.net/1997/Ask-an-Inspector-Program or by calling (586) 446-2404.