As stated by e57, always attempt to get the problems fixed before you do your work. If the owner refuses to make repairs, then you should document the problem in your proposal (stating you are not responsible for the following code violations, etc) or, if you're already doing some work, note the problem on the invoice you send them. At least this way, you will have some proof that you pointed theses problems out but that the customer elected to ignore your best professional advice.
Things can be so bad here in the Mountain State that once in awhile, the list of uncorrected code violations on one of my T&M invoices is longer than the material list.
Tom
