Permits and inspections

[Julie Dillon]

Some facts first Just bought a 6plex apartment complex Ordered 23 new windows and planned to install ourselves with some help from friends Went to local landlord meeting and met other landlords and fire marshal, building inspector, and other city officials. In meeting talked about Windows and found out we needed a permit. Was told at meeting we could install any Windows we wanted. Before meeting sounded like most people avoid getting a permit due to the nightmare they cause and risk the fine. After meeting felt like there was no way we could attempt to play the we didn't know card and installing 23 Windows is not an easy task to hide. So we went to city hall to get permit. First discovered we had to be registered with the EPA $300. 2nd one person needed to be lead certified. Full day class $200. Third permit cost $120. 4th now we need to schedule inspection. Permit is granted. It's Friday and Windows are in. I call to schedule inspection on Saturday. We want to get started. They don't do inspections on Saturday. Explain we want to get started. We explain we are trying to keep as much in tact and pop out and insert in the new window. Laurie says sounds like pocket Windows . Get the go ahead to start and inspector will be out Monday at 1:30. We work all day Saturday and Sunday and get all Windows in. Look great from outside just need to finish inside. This is an old stucco building. Outside trim is stuck in stucco. Monday - inspector comes and is rude from the get go. Writes us up says Windows not installed correctly. Need flashing per manufacturers instructions. We call manufacturer and explain what we did. Did not want to disturb outside trim. Jim from the manufacturer says it sounded like we installed Windows adequately and he would be willing to talk to inspector. Call inspector and tell him this but he says we need it in writing and he doesn't have time to call or talk to manufacturer. Says we have to have it in writing. Manufacturer doesn't want to put it in writing Now what???