Our Inspectors

We have a team of knowledgeable inspectors that perform building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspections.

To contact an inspector, call the IMS office at (616) 863-9294.

Rick Sparks

Owner
Building official
Building inspector
Plan reviewer

Rick has been a builder for over 40 years, with experiences ranging from residential homes to large commercial projects. Ricks father, Andy Sparks, was the original owner of the business.

Besides managing the business, Rick is our primary building inspector, doing the majority of our inspections as well as reviewing and authorizing building projects within the communities served by IMS.


Chris Elzinga

Electrical inspector
Plan reviewer

Chris is our newest inspector. He brings experience from several years in the Electrical Industry, including owning his own business. He became an inspector for IMS in 2021.


Art Haase

Mechanical inspector
Plumbing inspector
Plan reviewer

Art, working primarily with residential and some commercial projects, entered the plumbing trade in 1972 and the mechanical trade in 1978.

He registered as a plumbing and mechanical inspector and plan reviewer in 2014 before joining IMS in 2015.


Lance has been an active mechanical tradesman since 1985. He was a mechanical contractor and business owner before becoming an inspector in 2017.

Lance joined IMS as a mechanical inspector in 2018 and performs zoning administration for Polkton Township, and Caledonia Village. Additionally, Lance performs rental inspections for the City of Cedar Springs.

He has office hours at Polkton Township on Wednesday mornings and at the IMS office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Lance Gates

Mechanical inspector
Zoning admin
Rental inspector
Plan reviewer