Renovation question for commercial building

[Stephen Kunen]

We are doing a lot of work on a 6 unit building in Allentown, PA. As of today, we realized that since we opened up walls to do the electric and plumbing work, we need to get a building permit. Because it's a commercial building, we need plans, drawings and how the work is being performed. The inspector suggests that we have a third party review the plans before we submit them. Do you have any recommendations on:

1) an architect or professional who can create the plans, drawings and description; and

2) the third party who reviews the above?

At this point, should we hire a GC to handle it? It’s putting a lot of stress on us since the scope has significantly exceeded what we planned and the handyman we normally use for the rehab work did not seem familiar with the process.

Thanks very much in advance!

[Nik Moushon]

Originally posted by @Phil Chadbourn:

@Nik Moushon

Damn dog you’re really on your high horse there...

I didn’t mean diy everything and skip all permits etc.  I don’t think it’s necessary to have an architect involved if you’re just removing drywall and putting back up...there’s no structural change there, but possibly it is required. If there’s electric and plumbing involved then yes you should pull the permits. If you’re just patching a hole, I’m not pulling a permit

 Maybe you should familiarize yourself with the laws and codes of commercial buildings before you suggest things that are flat our wrong and could get someone in some seriously hot water. I'm not on any high horse. This is simple facts that I'm stating and calling out the blatant wrong information that you've suggested here. 

Its very clear from the first post that the OP is not simply patching a hole. If thats all he was doing, then yes, no architect/engineer would need to be involved and maybe not even a permit. But thats not the case. He is also dealing in the realm of commercial buildings not residential. Commercial building are a whole different ball game when it comes to permits and what professionals are needed to get involved. Commercial buildings REQUIRE a professional seal for pulling permits. Just because he's not moving walls doesnt mean its not required. Now a professional seal could come from a licensed electrician and/or plumber, if thats the only things that are getting updated/changed. The removal of drywall to get to these trade wont require an architect or engineer. But at bare minimum a licensed trade professional will be required. Now a GC could have on on staff so he wont have to hire two people either. Or at least the GC could do it. 

As an architect I've seen first hand people who approach commercial buildings as they would residential and it always ends up badly. There's nothing wrong with people doing work themselves, even plumbing and electrical, but for commercial buildings you either need to know an electrician that will put his signature on your work or just hire it out. Electrical in one of the trades that inspectors really focus on in commercial buildings, especially multifamily commercial, as its a huge life safety issue.