By Staff
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
Derrick Woodall considered his move from business owner to field inspector a natural one when the time came to broaden his education and experience in construction.
"Derrick is already very knowledgeable in the construction industry," Hartselle City Department of Development Head Jeff Johnson said. "In fact, it only took him once to pass the International Code Council building inspector's certification test. The national average is 3.2 times."
Woodall joined the Hartselle City Department of Development as field inspector in September.
He is a State of Alabama Certified Contractor Master Plumber/Gas Fitter and an Alabama State Board of Heating and Air Conditioning Certified Contractor. Other special training includes certification in Steel Framing Components and Erection, Manual J, Customer Relations, R410A, and Universal Refrigeration.
While Johnson said Woodall's certifications and vast knowledge of plumbing, gas, and electrical are a boon to the department, he believes Woodall's strongest asset is the fairness and equality he brings to the position.
"I treat one inspection the same as the next," Woodall said. "That's the only way to be thorough."
Woodall and Johnson inspect approximately 90 buildings weekly to ensure state code requirements have been met before a certificate of occupancy is issued to the owner. Johnson said there are 80-100 individual projects underway at any given time in Hartselle.
"Hartselle is a great town to work in because the contractors here are very knowledgeable," Woodall said. "My job is only to ensure each code requirement is met, and most people seem to respect and appreciate that."
While working alongside Johnson, Woodall will continue to receive practical field training and study in hopes of achieving status as a Master Code Professional.
Johnson said Woodall will also head Nuisance Abatement and a new federally mandated Storm Water Management program in the City of Hartselle.
"Building codes are very important for the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens," Johnson said.
"We are proud of our inspection department and are honored to have Derrick be a part of it."