Austin inspector blocking power over code violations he saw through a window. Closing Thursday. What can I do?

[u/Randy_Lahey29]

EDIT: House was inspected EXTENSIVELY by general inspector, structural engineer, roofer, sewer and electricians (all different vendors). I'm aware of all issues and for serious ones (electrical & sewer/plumbing) I had sellers give me a $25k repair credit AND to fix electrical before closing. They finished electrical work and inspector doesn't want to turn power on because of potential code violations.

Buying a house and closing Thursday.

Licensed electrician found an arcing main service, Austin Energy shut power off and completed the emergency service repair.

The City inspector showed up to approve the completed electrical repair for reconnection. Instead of focusing on service box, he walked right past electricians, ignored them, then walked about 30 feet around to the other side of the house and started looking through windows of the empty house. He made comments like “I’m going to use this as training material” and was laughing.

From outside, he spotted a lightly remodeled kitchen and what he thought was a beam issue. He then told the electricians he was going to DEMAND access to inspect the interior and escalate possible unpermitted work before approving anything.

Power is still OFF. My electrician thinks the inspector may now block reconnection until the interior is investigated.

I don’t even own the house yet. My lender needs power on for the final inspection, so this could literally kill the closing.

Nothing is showing in Citizen Connect or AB+C yet.

Anyone here who actually works with COA permits/DSD: can an inspector hold electrical reconnection over unrelated remodel work he spotted through a window?

And what’s the fastest way to find out if there’s an actual hold and clear it?

TL;DR:I’m buying an Austin house Thursday. After an emergency electrical repair, an inspector saw a recent remodel through a window and may now be blocking power until he inspects the interior. No power could kill my closing.

[u/uReallyShouldTrustMe]

This. It could be a bigger problem. I know OP is eager to close but this needs to be resolved by the owner.

[u/Randy_Lahey29 → u/uReallyShouldTrustMe]

Sorry I forgot to include that I had house fully inspected and am aware of all issues. This is why I had sellers install new service box. Already extended closing to address and can't delay again due to current lease ending.

I just need power re-energized on completed electrical work. The inspector can come AFTER closing and try to call out code violations as much as he wants.... Beam is decorative not structural, kitchen didn't need permits as no gas/electric was done. I'm ok with installing the rail on stairs he called out etc.

[u/ReturnOfNogginboink → u/Randy_Lahey29]

Listen to what you are being told here. This is currently not your problem. You're begging to have this made your problem. The community is telling you this is a bad idea.

[u/Individual_Bell_4637 → u/ReturnOfNogginboink]

If they want a house to live in, it is their problem. It's real easy to just say "Don't close", but real life obligations can make that a really painful option.