Massachusetts Building Codes and DYI

[Ed Maione]

Hi all - I am about to put an offer on my first flip and am hoping for some input on permits, codes, and DIY. As my dad is a licensed contractor in Rhode Island and as I am very handy as well although not licensed, I'm inclined to do as much of the work ourselves as possible. Obviously any major electrical or plumbing will need to be permitted and performed by a licensed MA contractor but we want to know what exactly we can /should legally do. I'll sum it up in two questions...

1) Assuming full cosmetic rehab, what projects will we need permits and licensed contractors for?

 - Roof, siding, windows, doors, kitchen, bath, outlets, lights, flooring (all assuming no structural changes, no plumbing or electrical changes aside from visible fixtures)

2) At what point do we need to bring old systems up to code? This particular property is 1954 so it is very likely that there are plumbing and electrical issues that don't comply with updated codes. Assuming all is safe and working properly, when, if ever, does it become our responsibility to bring everything up to current code? 

Likely going to go down to the permit office and hash it all out with the people who know for sure, but wanted to get some input from those who have figured it out already.

Thanks!

Ed

[Dan K.]

Hi -- The answer to your first question is easy --

You need a permit for everything. If you change a faucet you need a permit. For siding, if you are replacing a small portion of siding you are okay, but if you re-do the siding, you need a permit. If you are going to GC this yourself, my suggestion would be to start a dialog with the building inspector. Have a plan on what you're going to do and be honest. You absolutely don't want to be caught "pulling a fast one," on inspectors.

For a single family you can pull permits on everything but a few things. For electric / plumbing / gas you may need to use somebody who is licensed. 

There is no hard and fast rule about bringing things up to code. If you redo steps or a porch, you're going to need to address railing height and distance between balusters. If you're doing a lot of electrical work, you might need to redo your panel and put in grounding rods in the yard. In general, if you don't start working on an area and opening it up, the inspectors don't know what's there and technically neither do you -- so there isn't a need to update. 

You should get a mass saves inspection ASAP. You might be able to get some significant savings on HVAC.

Keep in mind, if this is your first flip, you want to do everything the right way. Years from now you want the homeowners saying you guys did an awesome job rather than putting lipstick on a pig.