Pulling permits and rehab strategy

[Deyano M.]

Hello folks-

Recently ran into a curve-ball.

I have a large rehab currently just started. Interior demo is done. I have all the subs lined up, bids in place, and ready to proceed with framers. (we are doing a small 2nd floor addition to allow us to reconfigure the first floor and add space).

Went by with my plans to the Town and they said I can't pull permits if the house is not owner occupied. The inspector also mentioned that because of the scope of the project he would want a licensed GC pulling permits. I'm not licensed, I'm an investor.

I had thought each sub could pull their own and I could PM which is what I'm used to.

Didn't see that coming. Not a big deal- I have alot of contacts and immediately asked a contractor about pulling a permit for the entire scope of the project. To my surprise he was hesitant. He would prefer to bring in all his 'friends' in the trades and guys he knows even though I have everything already lined up. Asked 2-3 other contractors I know and got different responses but all seemed to revolve around the pricing going much higher because they would be pulling permits for the entire job- not just a part of the rehab.

Obviously, this will cut into my profit. I think I can work a deal out with someone but I just didn't anticipate this.

Any advice? Did the Inspector just blindside me or do others run into this? I will mention, it is an exclusive town and then happen to be fairly strict.

Cheers people-
D

[Aaron McGinnis]

So - let me get this straight.

You want someone who spent a lot of money, time, and effort to get and maintain a state license (One which requires a a lot of ongoing expense for insurance and other things) to put his name on work being done by people he doesn't know and has no experience with?

When the worst thing that could happen is that this guy could get taken to the cleaners over insurance matters, or worse, lose his license and what may be his livelihood.

And they want you to PAY money for this?? Demand that they control the process that they're signing their name, insurance, and license on??!

What the heck! They've got the license that they've already paid and sacrificed for - they should share freely and not ask too many questions. The NERVE of some people!!!

I mean, especially after you've demonstrated a huge knowledge of the construction process by jumping into this rehab without really knowing what's required by the state. And clearly, your subs are stand-up guys who know their stuff and really helped you out by pointing out this obvious, blatant error in your planning phase.

I, for one, would be happy to put my whole business on the line for you, signing away on a process that you don't want to pay me to manage, since you so clearly understand the whole thing A to Z.

What could POSSIBLY go wrong??