Adventures in Adoption - Fire Inspection

After weeks of classes with Arrow (I won't even discuss the classes at previous agencies again), we are told that it is now time to get a fire inspection done.

Great.  No problem. Hubby's best friend is a fire Marshall. He cannot do the inspection because of some kind of license, but he knows what is going to be inspected.

With the second agency, we were told that Houston is slow to get to these types of inspections and they can cost $3-500. Depending on the inspector.  So, hubby gets on the ball and requests an inspection as soon as we learn this. We know it will need to be done, so why wait until we are told to do it. That could slow us down.   He puts in a request with the city and we go about our classes.  We leave that agency,  still no news about an inspection.

We start with arrow. We still know we will need the inspection but have still not heard a thing from the city.

In May, we are still in the middle of classes with Arrow.  I am at the church for am event my children are involved in and start talking to one of the security guys, like I always do. Somehow the topic of adoption comes up. Security Man starts telling me the story of how he and his wife adopted their son. Such a sweet story.  Then i mention needing a fire inspection and ask if he knew anything about it (he is a full time fire Marshall).  I just wanted some advice.   Maybe a number to call some one direct and get them to come out soon.  Then he mentions that he is licensed to inspect. Yea!   But can he inspect in my city and county?  Yes!   I was so relieved! I set up a time for him to come over and immediately text Hubby to let him know it is taken care of.

We had planned on Security/Fire Man coming out in 2 weeks to do our inspection.  We get Hubby's friend over to do a 'pre inspection,' and  spend the next 2 weeks cleaning the garage,  under the sink, laundry room. ...  There is nothing like a home inspection (of any kind) to make you doubt the safety, and cleanliness of your home - as well as your ability to do a good job of both.

After an unscheduled delay, the big day came. I had spent the last month scouring the Internet for advice, tips, checklists. ... What every may make this go faster. Depending on your city/County depends on what is looked for. Some require you to provide the forms,  some inspectors have their own. I printed some - just in case. 

So, Mr Security/Fire Man comes (with his k9 - took forever to get the kids to leave the dog alone and let Mr Man work) and brings his papers and looks around the house.  The kids knew what was going to be looked for and immediately too Mr. Man to their rooms to see the smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and emergency ladder. They were even ready to climb out the window to demonstrate their knowledge of how to use the ladder!    That was not necessary. He checked the water heater (nothing stored around it) and the laundry room. Done. Really?  

2 weeks of panic filed cleaning and we are done..... OK. I guess that's good. We passed. He gives me a copy of the report and leaves. He is not even or of the drive way and I am scanning the document to email over to my case worker.

1 inspection done. 1 to go. Now we need to get ready for the home study. ......