Permits and inspection question? in Home Repair & Improvement http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r22642765 en Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:25:50 EDT Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:25:50 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22664208 Willy :
said by cowboyro See Profile :

said by kherr See Profile :

Getting a permit may open a big can of worms too. They can require EVERYTHING on the property brought up to code, not just the effected area.
False. It's called grandfathering, once up to the code it's up to the code forever... or until it gets altered.
Public buildings can be different as they have to comply with various additional regulations.
That's right.
I'm sure this varies city by city, state by state but the guideline is usually adding or renovating over a certain percentage of the building, below which
(with very few exceptions) they can't make you update anything existing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22664208 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:38:04 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22659963 cowboyro :
said by kherr See Profile :

Getting a permit may open a big can of worms too. They can require EVERYTHING on the property brought up to code, not just the effected area.
False. It's called grandfathering, once up to the code it's up to the code forever... or until it gets altered.
Public buildings can be different as they have to comply with various additional regulations.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22659963 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:03:59 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22655655 anon : Yeah, tell me about those "qualified" professional electricians--I had to re-wire several junction boxes that a state-licensed electrician wired in my house 40 years ago. Just last week, when I was renovating a section of roof and had to disconnect some BX armored cable from a junction box, I saw the most shocking thing: the connections had no wirenuts on them! Bare copper, out in the open, in junction box!
I had another connection fail, and two other places where he put stuff together and caused wires to be pinched and broken off. Overhead lights that stopped working 1 year after he wired them. In 2006, I found the pinched wire and fixed it. The light works for the first time in 43 years.
I'm not saying most handymen know what they're doing, and I DO have some formal training, back in the knob & tube days, but what passes for professional work is sometimes awful.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22655655 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:44:00 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22655123 nunya : Quote from Nunya (that's me!):
There's some bad apples in every industry. It sucks, but that's the way it is.

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Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22655123 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:32:35 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22654910 Shadow01 :
said by nunya See Profile :

I agree, a "Pro" simply means the person is paid for their services, it has no bearing on their knowledge or craftsmanship.


That's the craziest and most outlandish thing I've seen posted here in a while.
Are you saying that there are no bad pros?
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GUN CONTROL:
using both hands]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22654910 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:09:11 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22654790 anon : A nearly total gut you really should have just pulled the permits.
Even if you had to bring up to new code it is a nearly total gut so no real reason why not. If you perfectly know what you are doing inspections should be easy. If not then maybe you need help and the backup of the inspection.
Yes a building permit costs money but on a nearly total gut if you ever resell the house you can prove it was all done under inspection even if it was done wrong. A fallback.
If in the future a buyer has a question on the house and no building inspections done I can see problems.
I am just going by what you said a nearly total gut. Not just fixing up broken stuff. Fixing wall damages new tile carpet. maybe a sun room not for living area. You said gut. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22654790 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:21:50 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22654521 kherr : Getting a permit may open a big can of worms too. They can require EVERYTHING on the property brought up to code, not just the effected area. Heard about a building just wanting an A/C system added and ending up having to bring the entire building up to handicap codes and other stuff. Cost an additional $1.2M !!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22654521 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:59:30 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652725 nunya : There's some bad apples in every industry. It sucks, but that's the way it is.
We professionals are better because we live it every day. I wouldn't expect a home owners work to be on par with mine. Most homeowners should not be doing electrical work anyway.

There's a big difference in "making it work" and doing it right. Many DIY'ers think that because it "works" when they are done, it must be done right.
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Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652725 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:20:39 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652721 BurntCricket : That has nothing do with calling yourself a "Pro", a "Professional" simply means you are being paid for your services, being good at it is an incorrect inference.

Actually being a craftsman is something else.
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It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652721 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:18:58 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652683 Daarken : I actually am going to side with Burnt on this.
As a person who deals with the pros on a regular basis that is work related. I have seen those Licensed/Bonded pros do jobs that a handyman can do better.
for instance, this just happened last week.
The contractor who did my prep work for my pad came to me and told me about how another contractor that was well known for quality work, basically ripped a customer off in quality and quantity.
The customer was charged 6k for thier pad work, and another contractor was hired to do an additional part of the project, because the original wanted more $$.
When the 2nd contractor came to do the project, he disconvered that the 1st guy had basically dumped the pad dirt (about 12 yards) on top of the original yard and called it done, then charged them for 52 dumptruck loads of clay. so yeah.. crazy quality professionals.
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www.pointofexistence.com]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652683 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:55:03 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652680 mattmag :
said by cowboyro See Profile :

If you end up with an inspection make sure he only gets to see what he needs to inspect - all other doors closed, you lead him in and out on the shortest path.
Another useless post. Do you REALLY think an inspector is going to allow himself to be "led around"? Not even a prayer of that. They have free-reign on any part of the project and the house that they feel needs to be inspected.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652680 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:51:54 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652216 Willy :
said by nunya See Profile :

I agree, a "Pro" simply means the person is paid for their services, it has no bearing on their knowledge or craftsmanship.


That's the craziest and most outlandish thing I've seen posted here in a while.
I agree.

BurntCricket See Profile, someone goes to school, pass a test, gets a license and maintains it with continuing educational courses in order to maintain that license.

Then they actually go out and get bonded and insured, and you don't think this person is more qualified than some guy off the street or even some handyman to do whatever work that needs to be done?

Your comment is ridiculousness.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652216 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:01:30 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652053 nunya :
I agree, a "Pro" simply means the person is paid for their services, it has no bearing on their knowledge or craftsmanship.


That's the craziest and most outlandish thing I've seen posted here in a while.
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652053 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:20:12 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652023 BurntCricket :
said by cowboyro See Profile :

said by tschmidt See Profile :

Some Pros know how to do it right but all are in a hurry.
Fixed it for ya!
I agree, a "Pro" simply means the person is paid for their services, it has no bearing on their knowledge or craftsmanship.
--
It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22652023 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:10:09 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644616 cowboyro :
said by tschmidt See Profile :

Some Pros know how to do it right but all are in a hurry.
Fixed it for ya!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644616 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:44:05 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644458 tschmidt :
said by nunya See Profile :

Very rarely have I seen even the handiest of homeowners be able to pass an electrical inspection, let alone do a safe installation.
My experience with owner/builder work of all kinds is either better then pros OR much much worse. Pros know how to do it right but are in a hurry.

/tom]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644458 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:15:34 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644436 tschmidt :
said by UhOh :

a homeowner can perform work on their own residence but can't perform work on other's. So if you're not living there, you may be in more trouble than you think.
I learned that lesson the hard way many years ago. Helped a friend build a duplex he intended to rent. I did all the plumbing and electrical. When building inspector found out he was not pleased. Had to get licensed electrician and plumber to sign off on work. Was probably the most inspected building in town.

If you are helping someone build a private residence, as opposed to commercial or rental property, it is not a big deal as long as you are doing it for free and owner/builder is the one being held responsible for work.

/tom]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644436 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:10:51 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644433 cowboyro : If you end up with an inspection make sure he only gets to see what he needs to inspect - all other doors closed, you lead him in and out on the shortest path. Just to be clear, the friend is doing the work, you're just giving him a helping hand ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644433 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:10:16 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644372 nunya :
Can they force you to reopen walls if they think that work was done?


Yep.

You might as well go apply for the full permit now and reschedule your plumbing inspection. Many places require electrical, plumbing, and mechanical to be done by a qualified and licensed contractor.

Most likely, since you did the electrical yourself it will not be to code and will need to be redone. Very rarely have I seen even the handiest of homeowners be able to pass an electrical inspection, let alone do a safe installation. 99% of the DIY'ers who *think* they know what they are doing with electrical really just know enough to be dangerous.
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644372 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:59:15 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644310 anon :
said by MikeJrod See Profile :

I'm helping a friend out and have done all the work on a nearly total gut on her house.

Any thoughts on what to expect?
In most areas, the inspector can nail you for playing contractor, plumber and or electrician without a license.

Basically, a homeowner can perform work on their own residence but can't perform work on other's. So if you're not living there, you may be in more trouble than you think.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644310 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:50:01 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644163 dgilbert : if he even thinks you did any other work that would require a permit he can issue a stop work order immediately. in my area each inspector pretty much covers all fields(not ideal but the city is broke) and they will make you open up every new wall to prove that there is no new unpermitted electrical/plumbing in it. if the inspector did not see it at rough in when the walls were open, they WILL require you to reopen the walls. and yes, this can cost you thousands of dollars in materials to do the work over, plus permit fees and fines.

of course you should always have a permit, but if you are going to do work without a permit, do it ALL without one. getting a permit for part of the job is the quickest and easiest way to hang yourself.
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Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22644163 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:18:19 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22643500 Korro : If you are getting one part inspected....why not get it all inspected.

How much more can it cost you to get the proper permits/inspection at this point.

I would hate to see them put a stop order against you then make you tear open all those walls. And yes they will be able to tell if you did that work. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22643500 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:53:12 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22643476 stevek1949 : They could post a stop work order until the permits are obtained and all work is inspected. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22643476 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:33:22 EDT Re: Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22642958 caddyroger : I would not be covering up any walls with dry wall until all inspections was done. They could force you to tear the dry wall down.
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Caddy]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22642958 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:31:05 EDT Permits and inspection question? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22642765 MikeJrod : I'm in Wisconsin and was wondering what inspectors for various house projects (namely plumbing/electrical/remodel) are able to do if you didn't pull the proper permits? Can they force you to reopen walls if they think that work was done? I'm helping a friend out and have done all the work on a nearly total gut on her house. I already got rid of most of the debris, re-framed some walls, did the electrical, some insulation, and started to drywall. We are having a plumber do the single bathroom that share the single wet wall for the kitchen, which means an inspector will be coming through for the plumbing. I'm hoping to have all the drywall done and painted before the inspector comes through (minus the areas that have new pipe that he would need to see). Any thoughts on what to expect?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22642765 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:31:34 EDT