Back again for advice. Thanks again in advance.
Three years ago when I bought my ranch home with a full unfinished basement, I decided to start finishing it. That was when I had a full time job as an estimator for a fence company. I asked some neighbors and GC supers I was working for that lived near me about whether or not to pull a permit for it. They all said that they finished their own basements without permits, permits just increase your property taxes, etc. etc. So I framed, insulated and drywalled one room, framed, plumbed and drywalled the bath also. Of course did the electrical in these rooms also.
Since then I have started my own contracting business, licensed, insured and all of that and just sold my house. The new owners hired me to finish the rest of the basement. I disclosed the fact that the bedroom and bath was done without a permit before the offer was made, but I was a little hesitant to pull a permit for the remainder for fear of the inspector wanting to inspect the work under the existing drywall in the bed and bath. The owners would like me to pull a permit.
In the last two years I have finished a number of basements around here. I have a good rep. and have pulled permits for all of them. I like the idea of keeping a good relationship with our local building dept. but don’t know if they would let the existing finish work fly. I told the owners that if I have to pull the rock off of the rooms for and inspection, it would be their responsibility and they seem alright, but I know that everything under that sheetrock is up to code, and the thought of tearing it off is not pleasant.
I know I should have just pulled a permit in the first place. I want to keep a good rep with my customers, and the building dept. I was just wondering if any of you have ever had to finish finishing a basement etc. that was started without a permit.
Live and Learn.
Thanks,
Cole
Cole Dean
Dean Contracting
Replies
I'll finish the upstairs of my current house without a _new_ permit. The upstairs was considered a 'bonus room' and the original permit was set out for the square footage it entails.
If you don't get a permit, you better not have your truck with logos on it outside when the inspector comes by. Especially with all that material out there.
I always consider it bad business to not get a permit. It's not that much, the client pays it and the city won't give them a hassle if they find out. (or they sell, or want to do additional work or etc)
additionally: You know, this sounds a lot like when I asked about taking the bathroom when the HO wasn't going to let me do it right...
Edited 10/3/2002 10:20:09 PM ET by Wilburn Hancock
Hi Cole.
If I'm reading you right, you say you have a good reputation between you and your local Building Inspections Dept. If this is true, then why hesitate...get the permit. Put down on the permit that you intend to remodel "X" amount of basement...don't include the rooms that were already finished off. BUT, do be up front with the inspectors and let them know what work was done prior and what work you intend to do know.
If you have as great a relationship as you claim, there really is nothing to fear. If they know your work, then they should probably "OK" the old stuff.
The fact that the new owners don't have a problem if you are ordered to tear open a wall for inspection...,the fact that they will pay you for repair of any work that must be disturbed by such forced inspection... the fact that they want you to obtain a permit..., the fact that you are legit and normally do obtain permits....;why the fear and secrecy now? Inspectors will see your truck parked at this residence and sooner or later will inquire as to what you are doing anyway. Be up front, be honest, and don't worry.
Davo
Davo