Oakland Permits Rehab Plumbing and Windows

[Adam London]

I am in the final stages of closing on a condo in the Adam's Point Area. I did 4 walkthroughs with contractors this weekend and felt more and more confident with each meeting. I have so many questions for the community about rehabing in the east bay. The condo is 750 square feet with a big balcony. It needs a fair amount of work (Flooring, Full bathroom remodel, Full kitchen, New window in bedroom and new sliding glass doors). I reached out to my HOA (I know condos are annoying), and they mentioned that I need permits to move any plumbing (want to raise the showerhead), and permits if I want to change the windows. I did some research on the Oakland permit site and it is utterly confusing. Looks like it will take me several trips down there to get this done.

Does anyone have any advice on attaining permits for plumbing and new windows in the oakland area?

Thanks,

Adam

[Arlen Chou]

@Adam London 

If you are really worried about it, I would have your subs quote you with them pulling the permits. If they are reputable and know the city guys, they will be able to blow through the system very quickly and you won't have to worry about any issues. 

But if you are looking to save some money and pull the permit on your own, as the owner, more power to you. That is what I do on my projects and it has worked for me.

The permitting process is not all that scary for what you are doing.  You can go online and down load the permit form so that you are all ready and so you will know how much your fees will be. Follow the advice you have been given by the others guys:  Take drawings, take pictures of what is there so you can show them what you want to do.  The inspections after the work is complete is not that big of a deal.  The guys are really good to work with and they know what they are doing.  If you can show them clearly what you did and look like you know what you are talking about the process is very smooth. 

Besides, the advice you have been given the only thing I would add is get to the permitting office early.  The wait can be HOURS long... but I have been lucky in the past and been in and out in less than 1 hour.  

Good luck to you!

-Arlen