Above ceiling access required in porch? An eyesore! (Jackson: houses, inspectors)

[auntieann1]

Our builder is installing a tongue and groove ceiling with can lights and a couple fans in our new screen porch. He installed an access hole that he said was required by the inspector. It is finished off but is a major detractor. I don't understand why an access hole is necessary when I have never seen this in any other porch or inside of a house that has can lights. The builder was supposed to add board reinforcements above the tongue and groove ceiling for a porch swing but installed the ceiling first. Would he have added the access hole to get those support boards above the ceiling rather than take the ceiling down to add the supports? Thank you for any advice or thoughts on this!

[Imhere now]

You can check with your local county/city building inspector to determine if this is code required. I've been through the process building several houses and never heard of having a porch ceiling access. You probably have the answer already. If you determine that the access was not required, ask the builder to replace that part of the ceiling. Can lights do not require access from above in any interior ceilings, so there shouldn't be any difference on a porch.

[Imhere now]

Another thought: If your ceiling was just open before your builder added the wiring for the lights and fans and he failed to have that electrical work inspected before he enclosed the ceiling, he may now need the access opening for the inspection. Many inspectors would forgo having to see the wiring now, if the builder/electrician was licensed.

[auntieann1]

Thank you VERY MUCH for taking the time to help us with your comments on this! We appreciate it very much. I will call Jackson County inspection on Monday morning to hopefully talk with someone there.