Does your job require a permit? - DIY Chatroom

housedocs · 04-02-2005, 03:23 PM

Thinking about a home improvement project? My muncipalities require permits for many types of home improvement projects. These codes are in place for safety of all and take into consideration local conditions, (such as hurricane zones, earthquake zones, snowloads in northern regions, etc. which must be taken into account during the planning phase of your project. To aid you in your planning I suggest you browse over to The Permit Place From here you'll be able to find out what type of permits are required for your region and who to contact about them.

It's also important to consider what's beneath your yard before you start digging and post holes, footers, etc. Every state has a different phone number to call fo this, but if you will do a google search with the terms "call before you dig & Your State" You'll find the link to the approriate local agency, many allow you to register your dig on-line and nearly all have toll free phone numbers. Warning, failure to follow established procedures will in most cases leave you or your contractor liable for any damages which may occur to underground utilities not to mention possibly be hazardous to your health!!

Another reason, (that I'm sure Mike S. could elobrate on) for taking the time to pull permits for remodeling and additions (a deck is an addition to the structure) is prevent future headaches if and when you should choose to sell your property. Items that don't meet code will be on the home inspector's hit list of items that will devalue your property.

Work safe, follow the rules & codes, you'll be glad you did.

Mike Swearingen · 04-29-2005, 08:12 AM

Projects not done to local code with the appropriate permits and inspections can jeopardize the sale of your home. The lender may deny the buyers' loan, and/or a buyer may not accept anything not to code.
Electrical code violations are not only hazardous, they may cause your Homeowner's insurer to deny a fire claim if found to be the cause.
Plumbing code violations may cause function problems or leaks. Water is the primary source of damage to homes.
Structural code violations are even worse. These will cause even more problems.
If you're going to do it at all, do it to code with all of the proper permits and inspections, and keep the records.
Good Luck!
Mike

meiersenterprises · 06-17-2005, 03:07 PM

Additionally, you can be fined big time! My neighbor got caught building a room addition and got an $1800 fine. That's STEEP. Get those permits...

housedocs · 08-02-2005, 05:32 PM

Man $1800 is pretty steep for a unpermited residential addition. What part of the country are you in?

abond · 08-30-2005, 11:09 PM

SOS, somebody help me please, I need your advise about “evil door”. I live in apartment on the second floor above the side entrance and entrance to the basement, which has laundry inside. The problem is the doors that slam so hard that I can fill vibrating walls and loud annoying noise. It is really TERRIBLE. The doors are metals and very heavy. They should be always locked because the building located in the busiest area of Queens, New York. Somebody, please help me!!!!!! I need your advice how I can bring the doors in normal conditions. By the way, the super of the building is not able to fix, even he tried so many times. The landlord will take a lifetime to take care of it. In other words, WELCOME TO NEW YORK. Lovely handy men, please give me a hint or at least some suggestions that will bring peace in my life. Anna.

Please write me at annabond28@yahoo.com. THANK YOU A LOT.

Guy · 02-08-2006, 03:41 PM

I might also add when changing/expanding the footprint of you home it is sometimes wise to consult a surveyor and have an asbuilt done. My neighbor fighting now where an addition he built on some years ago is too close to property line and the lender will not fund to the new purchaser.

Teetorbilt · 02-08-2006, 10:16 PM

An addition can often trigger a property reassement as my sister recently found out. Her taxes tripled.

penaddict · 03-16-2006, 12:03 PM

Does adding a deck up your property tax as this isn't "livable space?" Thanks.

the man · 03-17-2006, 09:37 PM

Penna
in N. Y. S. your assessment will go up, if you put a roof on the deck it goes up a little more, screen it in --up again, enclose it with windows up again-- an open deck you can use it 4-5 monthe, enclose
the deck you can use it all year

depotdon · 06-07-2006, 10:01 AM

I just signed up and want to post NEW THREAD, but cant figure how. Yes, I am more computer illiterate than construction savy

fhivinylwindows · 06-15-2006, 01:33 PM

depotdin, go back one page, then look in the lower left side.....when you click on that you can start a new one.....just make sure that it is in the correct category or they will relocate it.

theshark58 · 09-28-2006, 02:28 PM

You should always pull permits when required. It is better for everyone. If a contractor says for you not to pull one, for example, on a new roof, then walk away.
Some mfr warranties will be void if permits are not pulled, and in case of additions, bath remodels, etc you will need them when you sell.

Mike

sootybuttercup · 10-02-2006, 02:37 PM

[quote=Electrical code violations are not only hazardous, they may cause your Homeowner's insurer to deny a fire claim if found to be the cause.
[/quote]

My insurer told me that any damage from DIY project (whether done right or wrong) was covered by my policy...provided I didn't cause any of the damage intentionally. Best to ask your insurance company how it works for you!

KUIPORNG · 10-02-2006, 02:58 PM

Doing right or wrong is a separate issue with having a permit or not, you can do it right but without a permit or vice versa... the question to ask the insurance broker should really be "If I built somthing which required a permit which I didn't obtained, such as basement..etc.. if there is an accident caused by this new built with evidence, will the insurance company cover the lost" an example, if a 6 feet high deck was built, which requires a permit, but you didn't obtain one, should one of your friend broke his leg and sue you because you didn't setup the rail according to code... would the insurance paid for the compensation...etc....

MrNoMaintenance · 10-18-2006, 09:43 AM

If you get away with only an $1800 fine, consider yourself lucky! They could (in addition to the fine) make you rip it out and start again --- Not very convenient when you’re trying to sell your house. Another thing to consider is if the potential buyer has a thorough lawyer, that digs deep with the city, permit offices, etc. looking for things like old (forgotten) easements or permits [lack of]. The buyer could use that information to get you to lower your selling price OR tip off the city...