Have you done unpermitted work?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depends on the scope of the project. Some contractors deter from permits because they need to be licensed.
Is this a pull and replace? If work is large consider having a contractor pull at least electrical and plumbing. You don't want an inspector investigator knocking at the door. Ready to hand you fines

I'm in MD. Is it common for inspectors to go around investigating? Or would they only do so if a neighbor has reported you? FWIW, this is for a bathroom reno. I've used the guy before and he's good, work is above and beyond code, he guarantees the work, and has been around for a while, seems to have lots of happy customers, many who have not pulled permits (which surprises me considering that on this group, everyone is so adamant about pulling permits). The previous work did not need permits bc plumbing and electrical was unchanged. However, the bathroom reno I want done now would require moving the location of tub, toilet, and sink, and probably replacing old pipes. Work that I'm positive requires a permit. But he's really being difficult about pulling permits and will likely add a high premium. On one hand, I know his work and I trust him (which I can't say for many of the contractors I've gotten quotes/bids from). On the other hand, I really want the work to be permitted because I'm a by the book person.

No. Inspectors do not go around looking for work and entering your house. That would be a much different government than we have. If someone reports a job they may come by but cannot just enter a house.

A bathroom renovation does not likely need permits. Plumbing is there already as is electrical. They do not inspect new fixtures in existing spaces.

[Anonymous]

A contractor came by today to start a quote and estimated the permits in Arlington would be $8K for our project. I don't argue with needing permits for what we're planning but $8K is sure a lot! I imagine there are DIY things that are supposed to have a permit, but if you're doing the work yourself and you're not a tradesperson, how are you supposed to know?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It isn't hard to get a permit. It take a few weeks, but for a licensed contractor and the trades, it isn't difficult -- and if it is too difficult for them, you should use someone else.

Its not hard for anyone and this! It took me two hours in the office to get a permit for our basement. The only issue was the ceiling height as it wasn't on the plans and I didn't know.

Agreed. It’s just some paperwork, a few hundred bucks, and then scheduling an inspection. Any contractor who would cut corners on this would have me questioning what else they’re willing to cut corners on. And I’m not sure why anyone licensed and insured would risk their livelihood by not doing things on the books.

the liability falls on whoever requests the permits. That is the reason why contractors don’t want to get the permits themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It isn't hard to get a permit. It take a few weeks, but for a licensed contractor and the trades, it isn't difficult -- and if it is too difficult for them, you should use someone else.

Its not hard for anyone and this! It took me two hours in the office to get a permit for our basement. The only issue was the ceiling height as it wasn't on the plans and I didn't know.

Agreed. It’s just some paperwork, a few hundred bucks, and then scheduling an inspection. Any contractor who would cut corners on this would have me questioning what else they’re willing to cut corners on. And I’m not sure why anyone licensed and insured would risk their livelihood by not doing things on the books.

the liability falls on whoever requests the permits. That is the reason why contractors don’t want to get the permits themselves.

Not really true. I pulled our permits and when we had issues the county inspector worked with us to get them addressed and held the contractor accountable. Ultimately if they didn't do the work, we would have had to find someone else and go after the contractor, but not really any different.

The inspectors we had were great and guided me through everything including code. They were so helpful. They caught a few things, when I was concerned, I asked them a few things and while we had "good" contractors they still cut corners saying the inspectors wouldn't know as it would be covered up. We didn't allow it to happen and it was nice to be able to to the inspectors directly. I think they were nicer to me as a homeowner.

[Anonymous]

Our basement was finished with panels and electrical outlets but no ceiling tiles. Years later, we finished it with drywalls. We didn't pull any permit. Should we?

[Anonymous]

We finished a room in the basement without permits. Contractor was recommended by a friend and was rock-solid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our basement was finished with panels and electrical outlets but no ceiling tiles. Years later, we finished it with drywalls. We didn't pull any permit. Should we?

Yes, you should have. Drywall is no big deal but the electrical is.

[Anonymous]

My friend bought a house in 2003 with an unpermitted 500 square foot extension and a bathroom.

She is taxed as a three bedroom 2.5 house when it is a 5 bedroom 3.5 bath. She saved a ton on taxes the last 18 years.

Good enough reason

[Anonymous]

I sometimes think places require permits just so you have to let them know when you increase your square footage or increase the value of your home. Then you can be taxed more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I sometimes think places require permits just so you have to let them know when you increase your square footage or increase the value of your home. Then you can be taxed more.

This is absolutely a factor. All permit work info is forwarded to the assessor. What happens next depends on their evaluation formulas.

[Anonymous]

We've always pulled permits but haven't done anything where the cost was high (reading PP's 8K permit post--woah!).

With our jobs moving is always a possibility and we wouldn't want anything to hold up a sale (not that it would in the current market, but beyond).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our basement was finished with panels and electrical outlets but no ceiling tiles. Years later, we finished it with drywalls. We didn't pull any permit. Should we?

Yes, you should have. Drywall is no big deal but the electrical is.

Did you read the part where PP said "basement was finished with panels and electrical outlets..."?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our basement was finished with panels and electrical outlets but no ceiling tiles. Years later, we finished it with drywalls. We didn't pull any permit. Should we?

Yes, you should have. Drywall is no big deal but the electrical is.

Did you read the part where PP said "basement was finished with panels and electrical outlets..."?

Did you read the part where they had electrical done?