9.15.11.: I’ll tell you where you can put your @^&*# meters

We’re back at the loft building this week taking care of infrastructure issues so we’re ready to rock when we get the demo finished and a contractor officially on board.  Current focus: Gas.

During the pre-purchase inspection, the Gas Co. inspected the lines and meters.  They pointed out numerous issues, including insisting the meters be moved outside.  We thought we were in the 21st century and they’d get remote readers for those things by now, but apparently not!   Thus, the meters were on their way out.  To the sidewalk.  Right on the sidewalk.  On the front of the building…  To the tune of thousands of dollars.

The bill was one thing, but we were really sick about having to set these things right on the front stoop and really wanted them around the corner.  We assumed that doing this would cost more and be a huge fight.  But asked anyway and guess what?  No problem and no difference in cost.  Awesome.  So the meters are around the corner!

One giant check later, all the work is done and the Gas Company inspector comes back out to inspect the work and turn the gas on.  Upon arrival his first question is “why’d you move the meters outside?”  

Uh.

Because you told us we had to move them outside?

“Oh.  Well you should have fought that.” 

………

It’s beyond us why you would tell someone they have to do something, knowing full well they really don’t have to, and actually probably shouldn’t.  But that’s really how this world of regulations and inspectors and corporations work, isn’t it?

What we’ve learned here:  If someone tells you something that doesn’t seem logical (ex: you seriously can’t think of a good reason those meters need to be on the sidewalk apart from meter reader laziness),  ask about it.  Complain about it.  Be ‘that person.’   Chances are you’re right.
Urbanspace Lesson No.0001