Keep Checking Builders

I read “Safe, Smart School-Building” (editorial, March 9) and agree that the school-building process is frustrating. But there are others to blame rather than inspectors. One is the requirement that public contracts go to the lowest “qualified” bidder. Poor contractors are very difficult to disqualify. There are many well-qualified contractors and construction tradespersons in the industry, but they are becoming more rare. With the large volume of construction and the availability of more attractive professions, the good constructors are too few. Workmanship is the main reason inspectors are required. As for the reuse of plans, ask the architects rather than steal their designs.

Timothy R. Stormont, AIA

Bakersfield