City Inspector took pictures of FLIP work without permits, HELP !

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City Inspector took pictures of FLIP work without permits, HELP !

Jose Trujillo
Miami, FL · Member since 2016 · 33 posts · 14 votes

Hello BP !! So it happens that an inspector walked around our current flip and looked inside through the back windows of the house and took pictures (front windows were covered from the inside with curtains). We were told by the plumber that was working behind the house and he was also asked if he had permits to do the plumbing work. Plumber said he did not know and that he was not the owner. 

It is the first time i face this issue, what can i expect to happen next and what can i do to get ready for what is to come ? Should i keep working on the house or stop all work ? 

Any recommendations, advice or similar stories would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all in advance !!

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
7y

Contact the City, explain what work you are doing, and verify whether a permit is required or not. If not, carry on. If a permit is required, apologize for your ignorance and ask them for instructions on how to make it right. Then make it right.

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  • Mike McCarthy
    Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    Depends on the city. They might issue a stop work (big red sign on your front door). At that point you’re compelled to get the permits and inspections you need, with possibly additional fees.

    Though it’s possible he didn’t see anything that he thought required it. Around here, I believe the inspectors have those notices in their car and won’t hesitate to post them when needed.

    Definitely consider permits regardless though. It helps protect you and the future homeowners/tenants.

    1Reply
  • Marc Winter
    Real Estate Broker · Northeast PA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    7y

    @Jose Trujillo, actions (and inactions) have consequences.  Why risk the entire flip profit for the cost of permits?  And on your disclosure statement when you sell the property, (if your state requires) you must disclose recent renovations.  Any buyer can check to see if the changes were permitted or not.  Big red flag.  Everyone has seen the same items come up on HGTV type shows and they are looking out for seller shortcuts.

    Do the job properly, with permits and when required licened contractors.  If that doesn't fit into your pro-forma of the deal, then don't do the deal.  Do yourself a favor and don't turn a wonderful business into a "close your eyes and roll the dice" gamble.

    Good luck.

    3Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    7y

    Contact the City, explain what work you are doing, and verify whether a permit is required or not. If not, carry on. If a permit is required, apologize for your ignorance and ask them for instructions on how to make it right. Then make it right.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    3Reply
  • Chuy Gonzalez
    Investor · Long Beach, CA · Member since 2012 · 313 posts · 190 votes
    7y

    YOU' RE SCREWED. If you got drywall work after plumbing went in, the city will make you rip it down so they can inspect the plumbing.

    0Reply
  • Jason D.
    Rental Property Investor · St. Petersburg, FL · Member since 2017 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    7y

    @Jose Trujillo I'll ask you a question.... would you buy a completely renovated home for your mother from someone you dont know, knowing that they did not have the work permitted or inspected?

    Get permits, do it right, dont contribute to the bad reputation that flippers have....

    0Reply
  • Lynnette E.
    Rental Property Investor · TN · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    7y

    Just stop by the building inspector's office and say that someone stopped by and you would like to discuss what you are doing and see if you do need permits.  

    And next time get the permits first!

    0Reply
  • Isaac S.
    Member since 2018 · 563 posts · 562 votes
    7y

    Crying profusely seems to work for me....

    or just get the proper permits. 

    FYI, it's pretty hard to renovate a house thoroughly without being very obvious to a random inspector. ALSO, you will always piss off at least one neighbor that will snitch you out because of the mess, noise, and overall disruption that construction causes.

    Hopefully, the tradesman have done the work to code. Depending on how extensive the work, the permits can sometimes save you(if you are unfamiliar with standards and practices) from contractors doing very sub-par work that could get you sued later.

    Good luck.

    0Reply
  • Wayne Brooks
    Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    7y

    Yep, you got caught, now time to get the permits. One problem will be I suspect your subs aren’t licensed, as you probably know (it is Miami after all) so they won’t be able to pull the permits. 

    1Reply
  • Pat L.
    Rental Property Investor · Upstate, NY · Member since 2012 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    7y

    Suck it up & be very humble. We have a Bldg Inspector here that is ruthless, he drives around on weekends to catch people doing rehabs. We have a fellow investor with a STOP WORK for at least a month now & he's having a tough time finding an electrician to rip out all the new handyman installed wiring & replacing it to code. That means tearing out backsplashes & drywall all over the place.

    Most contractors here don't want to risk getting on the wrong side of our guy. But I stand up to the little pip squeak.......

    I send my 4'8" wife to deal with him because they both stand eye to eye.

    0Reply
  • Jack V. Ospina
    Real Estate Broker · Miami, FL · Member since 2018 · 236 posts · 99 votes
    7y

    @Jose Trujillo Depends what city and municipality it is? Also what type of work is being done in this particular house and flip. Are you replacing existing items or altering the structure? All these questions come into place with the inspector and possible violations. I think you will most likely receive a RED TAG stop work order and expect a letter very soon. I'd be happy to assist if you need any advice on the next steps. 

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