I think the root of the problem can be summed up in one word: government. Some of that can be changed, and some is inherent to the process.
The first point is: where else are you going to take your business? It's not as if you have any choice - or any recourse. Just as important, the permit and inspections are thought of as 'required,' which, in this case, means exactly the opposite of 'desired,' 'useful,' or 'valuable.'
Watching private 'home inspectors' at work, they seem to feel a need to poke about everywhere, to give the customer some 'value' for the money. That dynamic isn't present when the city comes.
Let's look at it another way, as contractors: Have you ever heard anyone boast that they 'got a deal' on surgery, or that their lawyer was the cheapest guy in town? Heck, folks insisnt on 'only the best' for the family dog! So why are they so contrary when it comes to their homes?
