Don't think my GC pulled roof contract in Colorado, what do I do?

Question

I have a dilemma. I hired a GC for a flip I'm doing and we are about 85% through completion with a goal to be on market by March 10th. I have had all kinds of issues with my GC, that is a long story. I didn't do my due diligence on them, I have learned, trust me. Things will be different next time. Anyway, they have told me multiple times they pulled a permit for the roof which was done weeks ago btw, but nothing shows up online. They tell me that it's because my address isn't coming up in their system, City of Woodland Park and the city is having to force it through (we are in Woodland Park, and it's kinda weird. We have to pull in Woodland Park and in Pikes Peak Regional). She told me yesterday she was ordering the inspection today. But I'm pretty sure she hasn't.

Looking up their contracting license it appears they just got it approved through Pikes Peak Regional a couple weeks ago. So, now I have a roof, don't know who the roofer was (she says Rally, but they had no clue what I was talking about when I called them), don't have a permit. Don't even know if one can be pulled by them!! What do I do??? I am SOOOOO ready to be done with this house and this contractor!

Wayne Brooks · Answer

Simple "show me the permit".  Generally, a permit is supposed to be displayed on site before and during all work under that permit.

Bill S. · Answer

@Holly Scott usually you can call the building department and ask for the roof inspector for that address. Speak to them in person and see if it's been inspected. Similarly you can call and verify the permit as well. It takes patient perseverance because you are dealing with the government.

In reality, no one will likely check. There are thousands of flips done every year with absolutely no permits. Not something I recommend but don't lose sleep over it either. Keep after it, but it's not the end of the world if you can't get it nailed down. Go ahead and list it when it's ready. If someone asks, redouble your efforts to find it.

Holly Scott · Answer

Hi @Travis Sperr! I don't know why the heck I didn't think to call you! HELLO! The contractor is certainly a story. They are getting the work done, and fairly fast considering (as you've seen). And what they're doing has been good for the most part. But I have had to be constantly calling them on their crap (lies), hunting them down to sign things like receipts. I am pretty sure they work at our house Wed-Friday, maybe not even Wednesday. And I constantly get the run around with permits. As we near the end these things make me nervous. There are more shady things we can talk about. We won't be using them on the next house. I will be interviewing contractors, checking references, touring jobs they're on and I will provide a far more detailed scope with materials I chose already priced and on there. As far as the permits, we have a few roofer friends who may be able to pull permit for us. Or I can contact the building department myself. Honestly, I am just trying to get the work completed, and do so without any drama or discrepancies. Then be done with them. Not sure if contacting the building department will cause issues that they may then find a way to not finish our job? Anyway, we are aiming for completion by end of next week. Feeling like we have gotten a bachelors degree with this first house. And I know it could have been so much easier, and more enjoyable with a good, solid contractor who know how to run a business! You can be a good carpenter, but that doesn't mean you are a good business person!

@Wayne Brooks when I told her that they should be displayed in the window she told me the building dept. doesn't require that any longer because everything is online. But yet, I can't seem to find any record online for any permits she pulled. She's very good at giving me some story. And avoids completely answering some of my questions even when I'm very direct with the questions.

Travis Sperr · Answer

@Holly Scott outside of the contractor issue - this shouldn't be a huge deal - a roof permit is typically an inspection after completion, so depending on how nice the building dept plays you can probably get an after the fact permit so long as you explain the issue.

The contractor not being able to show a permit was pulled is pretty telling.

Don't think my GC pulled roof contract in Colorado, what do I do?

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