Although Tache called it in, we were not prepared for the county inspector to show up the morning of November 4 for a final inspection. Tache and Moxie had taken off to do whatever it is they do when they leave the house every morning, which left me to welcome Brandon when he pulled in the driveway. Welcome back, Brandon!

It’s been one year and 10 months since our last inspection… so yeah, it’s been awhile!

Brandon pulled out his clipboard, measuring tape, and flashlight before I had a chance to text Tache: GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW! As I stood in the doorway wearing my “work pajamas,” I thought this is it! We’ve been caught red-handed living in a yet-to-be-approved-for-occupancy house. Nope. Brandon either didn’t care, or my hospitality won him over. I quickly welcomed him inside and offered him coffee, or tea, or we have chickens, do you want some eggs?! He kindly declined, as he was already peering in the entryway closet with the flashlight and noting the missing panel cover for the water shut-off valve. Not off to a good start…

As he shined and measured his way around the house, Tache pulled into the driveway with the look of someone who did not want to hear a word from Brandon. Brandon went upstairs, outside, around back; the whole time we trailed him about the same distance one might assume when following a cop: close enough to “not be weird,” but definitely not too close to accidentally draw attention to your mistakes.

In the end, the punch list wasn’t too bad. It looked like mumble-jumble to a layperson such as myself (see scribble in photo above), but Tache checked off most the items in a day. Brandon’s list informed us we would need a final electrical inspection with the state, so we called that in last week. Unfortunately, we learned of a few additional changes that need to take place in the electrical panel. I honestly don’t understand all – or really any – of it and don’t have the energy (pun) to ask Tache to help me explain. It’s something about arc faults or circuit interrupters. Tache will unhappily answer any of your questions, as he has had to undo and redo all the breakers a few times now. (My advice would be to not mention it or ask any questions.)

Okay, so that’s where we’re at as of Veterans Day 2025. Prior to Brandon’s punch list, Tache finished the indoor stair railing, closet lights, smoke detectors, blower door air test, exterior lights, and “lots of little stuff.”