CONTRACTER CHARGING DOUBLE FOR WORK WITH PERMITS

[Kenia Crevoisier]

Hi BP,

I am currently negotiating a pipe replacement project to change a property’s cast iron pipes to PVC pipes. 

We were originally going to do a pipeline work but a month into the project the CONTRACTER informs me that the pipes are in too bad of shape for pipeline. A replacement is necessary, however, they need to get an experienced plumber for that work. The experienced plumber that he recommended to us originally gave an estimate of roughly $5k to change the pipes, but with permits is charging $11k. What gives? I was expecting maybe $2-3k more for work with permits.  

How much more should a work be with permits va without permits? P.S. we definitely want to do this job with permits and agree to pay more for the work but I don’t think this price increase is reasonable. 

[Jason Brown]

@Kenia Crevoisier as a fellow investor out here in Miami the only time I have ever been really burned for shoddy work was when I foolishly allowed myself to go with a contractor's cheaper NO PERMIT option. Roofers I've had to take to court, plumbers who have replaced main sewer lines that have gone wrong..... it goes on and on and all were done without permit. If you are going to tackle any of the systems such as roof, plumbing, electrical, & hvac you MUST MUST MUST get the work permitted. ESPECIALLY here in Miami. Any contractor doubling their price for work done with permits is indicative of the corner cutting their original quote implied. Permits are a couple hundred dollars and once they are approved the city inspector comes out THE DAY AFTER you put in for the request for inspection. I had a roofer tell me after the inspector left that the roof had passed inspection and that they were wanting their check. I looked online quickly and saw that the inspector had not only NOT passed the roof but also dinged them for failing to install two layers or roofing paper as is CODE. He knowingly knew that and tried to just lie to my face to get the rest of his money and leave. Luckily for me I know how to look at the inspection report as it is updated live online at the county website. I know permits and city inspectors can be a hassle but here in Miami they are 100% a guard against getting cheated with shoddy/incomplete work. Trust me I've saved THOUSANDS!...........rant over.