[bemgolf]

I am in the process of getting estimates for my two car garage. I Have seen two people and have about 5 more to interview. I just want the contrator to rough in the garage so I can finish the insides. This is to one save money and two because I like doing remodel projects. I am just not experience enough to complete a roof connection and the concrete pad needed for the two car garage. The two that I have interviewed have said that I would need to get the permits because they are not finishing the inside. I did not think this was correct and checked online and it said normally the contractor gets the permits since they are building the project. Is this true or should I demand they get them?

Thanks

 

[rossfingal]

I don't know your location.
Around here - usually, the permit is the responsibility of the property
owner.
I don't remember why, exactly - but -
It has something to do with the fact that the permit is "linked" to the
property - something to that effect.

rossfingal

(You should be "pulling" a permit)

 

[CoconutPete]

Things vary by location, but what your contractor told you doesn't make any sense to me... he said that "he is not finishing the inside" ... well ... aren't most garages "not finished" on the inside?

 

[concretemasonry]

Some garages are not finished, but the owner could finish the wall an bury a lot of errors behind the "finishing", but are responsible in the end, but contractors do want to be dragged into an issue/problem if they are just doing the "bull work" on someones existing foundation. - Smart contractor!!!

Dick

 

[allthumbsdiy]

Where I live, "building" permits I worked on as a DIY homeowner dictated two inspections: rough-in (with structural framing exposed) and final (after insulation, drywall, etc.).

Circumstances will vary according to your location but you might want to break out your project into two separate permits:

permit 1: state that the garage will be left un-finished with frames exposed. Then have your contractor take the permit out and get necessary (rough & final) approvals. That way, contractor's work will be inspected by your township building inspector and upon satisfactory work, pay the final installment.

permit 2: take the permit # 2 out, stating that you, the homeowner, will be finishing the interior work. you will need to work out an arrangement to get your work inspected.

obviously more money and time involved but I think it will be worth the extra effort.

good luck

 

[Daniel Holzman]

It sounds like you are concerned about pulling the permit yourself. I have pulled several permits for work I have done myself, and the building inspector was not concerned about whether I would do all of the work, some of the work, or none of the work myself, they issued me the permit based on drawings I submitted with no questions. If you make the contractor pull the permit, you should expect to pay a fair cost to the contractor for the additional effort required to submit drawings and meet with the building inspector. Personally I have no problem pulling my own permit, it gives me the flexibility to do the job by whatever means, and on whatever schedule, I choose.