If you're David Block in Kansas then your clients have the right and your builder the obligation to see that the house is built in compliance with the 2003 IRC. If you're not from Kansas then you need to familiarize yourself with the mandated codes of your area.

Regardless which state you hail from, if you intend to conduct new construction inspections it is critical that you get certified through ICC. In Texas an ICC R-5 Residential Combination Inspector Certificate is required in order to conduct these inspections. There are many inspectors working in this area that are uncertified to the detriment of their clients. Why? If you can't prove to anyone your proficiency in and knowledge of the building codes why should they listen to your opinion?

Certified or not you should get copies of the 2003 IRC and the ICC's Legal Aspects of Code Administration. Read these and then use the information in them to conduct your affairs and protect your clients. You can only lead others as far as you yourself have been.

Builders across the board are likely to cut every single corner they can in order to make a profit. Rampant code violations are the rule and not the exception. As Jim alludes, be happy, this is producing business for competent inspectors. Unfortunately some incompetent folks are benefiting too at the expense of their clients. Get educated, get certified and then go kick some ass . . .

Aaron