$10,000 Driveway FAIL? Why You MUST Appeal Your Inspection

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$10,000 Driveway FAIL? Why You MUST Appeal Your Inspection

Is your city inspector following the rules?
If you don’t agree with what they cite, did you know you can appeal it — and you’ll probably win?

Today I’m breaking down some real-life examples: a driveway, a roof, and a garage. These stories show why landlords and property owners must know their rights when it comes to inspections.

🚧 The Driveway Dilemma

Let’s start with the driveway.

I was showing a house to a potential buyer and reassured them: “Don’t worry. If you don’t have a Section 8 inspector and you only rent to cash tenants, you can just leave the driveway as is.”

But then I started wondering… was I right?

So I called a city inspector I know (sorry, no names here!) and here’s what I learned:

  • Driveways are NOT on the city’s official 15-point inspection list.

  • However, if a driveway has a trip hazard of 4 inches or more, some inspectors will call it out anyway.

  • At two of the three inspection companies, it’s almost guaranteed to fail.

  • And here’s the kicker: inspectors sometimes hand out business cards for cement contractors right on the spot.

If your inspector is “old school” (usually over 40), they may still be clinging to the old 1,500-point inspection list. And that’s where a $10,000 driveway replacement suddenly becomes your problem — even though it’s not on the official list.

🌳 Trees Over the Roof

Now let’s talk about overgrowth.

On the 15-point list, item #14 states:

“Floor, walls, and ceilings are in sanitary condition, with no evidence of fungus-like substance or sewage.”

But what if your roof has some tree branches hanging over it?

The inspector might argue that overgrowth causes mold in the basement or creates damage. But here’s the truth: unless there’s actual evidence of damage, the branches themselves shouldn’t automatically trigger a fail.

🏚️ The Garage Issue

Next up — garages.

On the 15-point list, item #1 says:

“No major structural defects.”

Simple enough, right? Except the city often pushes inspectors to say “replace the garage” because it makes the city look better.

But replacing isn’t your only option. Depending on the situation, you can repair or even remove the garage. That’s still compliance.

✍️ Why You MUST Appeal

Here’s the most important part:

  • You can’t request a different inspector anymore.

  • But you can appeal to the city when you’re cited for something not on the 15-point list or for something that isn’t actually causing damage.

Frame your case clearly:

  • “The driveway is still operable and safe.”

  • “The branches over the roof are not causing mold or structural problems.”

  • “The garage can be repaired instead of replaced.”

Most of the time, the city would rather keep you satisfied than argue. And more often than not, you’ll win.

🚨 The Bigger Picture

Why is this so important?

Because some inspectors are stuck in the past, clinging to their 1,500-point checklist and doling out business cards to contractors. It’s a system that feels… well, questionable.

By appealing, you don’t just protect your own wallet — you also help push for newer, fairer inspections run by people who actually follow the rules.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a landlord or property owner, don’t just accept every violation at face value. Know the 15-point list. Question what doesn’t belong. And if you’re in the right, appeal, appeal, appeal.

A $10,000 driveway FAIL might sound like the end of the world — but if it’s not on the list, chances are you can beat it.

👉 What do you think? Have you ever fought an inspection and won? Drop your story in the comments — I’d love to hear it.

And if you want to see the actual driveways, roofs, and garages I talk about, check out my YouTube video here: $10,000 Driveway FAIL? Why You MUST Appeal Your Inspection