Fairfax County - what is the downside if you don't get a permit before doing some remodeling?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:permit just seems to be a headache.

what happens AFTER you have the work done and then you want to cover your ass and get a permit? can they make you rip stuff up?

If you do it wrong absolutely. Instead of saving a few bucks think about saving your family's life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:permit just seems to be a headache.

what happens AFTER you have the work done and then you want to cover your ass and get a permit? can they make you rip stuff up?

If you do it wrong absolutely. Instead of saving a few bucks think about saving your family's life.

it isn't the money at all, it is the red tape hassle. and if the work was done to code, why would it danger your life?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:permit just seems to be a headache.

what happens AFTER you have the work done and then you want to cover your ass and get a permit? can they make you rip stuff up?

If you do it wrong absolutely. Instead of saving a few bucks think about saving your family's life.

it isn't the money at all, it is the red tape hassle. and if the work was done to code, why would it danger your life?

Are you an expert? An inspector?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:permit just seems to be a headache.

what happens AFTER you have the work done and then you want to cover your ass and get a permit? can they make you rip stuff up?

If you do it wrong absolutely. Instead of saving a few bucks think about saving your family's life.

it isn't the money at all, it is the red tape hassle. and if the work was done to code, why would it danger your life?

Are you an expert? An inspector?

lol, an "expert"? the window regulations are 1 paragraph. you buy a "code" window at home depot, then it needs to be a certain height, a certain amount of area of egress, has to be a certain kind of glass, the wall needs to have a certain kind of insulation. not like any of this is a state secret.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:permit just seems to be a headache.

what happens AFTER you have the work done and then you want to cover your ass and get a permit? can they make you rip stuff up?

Yes because how else will they check your electrical wiring, plumbing, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:permit just seems to be a headache.

what happens AFTER you have the work done and then you want to cover your ass and get a permit? can they make you rip stuff up?

Yes because how else will they check your electrical wiring, plumbing, etc.

This. You don't close-in until you have MEP inspections.

[Anonymous]

I checked around, NOBODY gets permits for that sort of stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I checked around, NOBODY gets permits for that sort of stuff.

Who did you check with, the day laborers standing in front of home depot and uhual?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I checked around, NOBODY gets permits for that sort of stuff.

Classic. You sound like my kids because, you know "EVERYONE'S doing it/has one/is gonna be there" etc etc. That doesn't make it right, honey.

[Anonymous]

The general rule of thumb I've always followed is if it's inside - I'm not getting a permit. If it's outside, I'll get a permit. Unless you have a neighbor who is likely to turn you in for unpermited interior work. Our neighbors (and friends, relatives) all follow the same rule of thumb, so no one turns you in. If you're working with a reputable contractor who does stuff properly, then there's no worry with insurance. DCUM is not exactly a good source of information for this kind of thing. Unclench!

[Anonymous]

right cause inside work won't be a problem to anyone. Please put this sign up.

[Anonymous]

I thought you just needed a permit for plumbing work and major structural removal/additions (like load bearing walls) and not DIY like drywalling, light fixtures, outlets, etc.

[Anonymous]

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/basements/basements.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The general rule of thumb I've always followed is if it's inside - I'm not getting a permit. If it's outside, I'll get a permit. Unless you have a neighbor who is likely to turn you in for unpermited interior work. Our neighbors (and friends, relatives) all follow the same rule of thumb, so no one turns you in. If you're working with a reputable contractor who does stuff properly, then there's no worry with insurance. DCUM is not exactly a good source of information for this kind of thing. Unclench!

yep. the key thing is to do it to code, permit or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The general rule of thumb I've always followed is if it's inside - I'm not getting a permit. If it's outside, I'll get a permit. Unless you have a neighbor who is likely to turn you in for unpermited interior work. Our neighbors (and friends, relatives) all follow the same rule of thumb, so no one turns you in. If you're working with a reputable contractor who does stuff properly, then there's no worry with insurance. DCUM is not exactly a good source of information for this kind of thing. Unclench!

yep. the key thing is to do it to code, permit or not.

No shit , it's like taking a test without grading