All Forum Posts by: Christopher L.

Thanks for getting back to me about the process, @Kenneth Garrett. That is helpful. And also thanks for correcting my terminology; it is appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to write that up, @Jim K.! It's funny, I have wanted to lend a hand to the contractors in an effort to save money and learn the trade, but thought it would be a strange or unreasonable request. Very good to know this is not such a crazy notion! And to bring the mood back down -- your potential blacklisting scenario. That is a terrifying thought that I had not considered. I appreciate you bringing that to my attention. 

Hey, @Joe Splitrock. I hear your concerns. To clarify, no substandard work was being covered. All work was redone to code, but not permitted. I don't want to spend a page justifying how I was trying to best resolve a sticky situation -- because I can't. I take full responsibility for my ignorance and acknowledge I have put myself in this situation.

A shout from the crowd: Well, if you take full responsibility, then get the permits, and have it all done "right", you #$$% $$%%%##&#!!

I know it's a lengthy post and people don't have time to read everything (especially as long-winded as I can be), but getting the inspector in there and getting those permits/inspections is the conclusion I have come to with the aid of the community here. The difficulty in getting to that conclusion, is not knowing where the money will come from to cover these expenses. It's not some sort of effort to scrape some extra profit out at the risk of others. Profit left a while ago, loss has been hanging out for a while, and it is doubtful reserves can cover this. Just trying to work out the "how", right now. But as mentioned, the inspector has been emailed and I am awaiting his reply.

It is definitely amateur hour over here -- probably amateur year by the end of it! Don't let the Pro membership fool you. I just did that for the perks. If the Amateur membership had the same benefits, I would have signed up for that one to better represent myself. But I am learning and don't intend to make the same mistakes again.

Thanks, @James Barnhart. It took me this experience to understand that point, but I agree -- permits and inspections are not a bad thing. I just got pinned in a corner not doing it right from the beginning. Thanks, for your thoughts.

Thanks for sharing your experience, @Natalie Schanne. And yes, if I didn't quite make it clear initially, never again will I overlook permits or be so trusting with handymen/contractors, in this town or any other. They truly protect everyone, and are not even that expensive -- lesson learned.

Thanks, @Kenneth Garrett, and yes I certainly didn't want to imply all inspectors are on a power trip. I can't generalize like that -- you are people, after all! :D Moreover, I can't generalize because all my knowledge on the attitudes of inspectors is hearsay anyway -- never met one. But it is true that certain industries can attract a larger population of a certain type of person than others. Also, the environment that can be created prior to the investor and inspector first meeting can make the two feel as if they are natural enemies, making for a rocky start.

I do intend to work with the inspector. I really do want his help and knowledge. I've just been fearful of the repercussions. So, let me ask you this: I work with the inspector and let him in the house. Does the discussion go, "Oh, boy! Okay, you'll need a permit for this, this, this and that." Or "You should have already had a permit for this, this, this and that. Here's your list of fines. I'm red tagging this place because there's a live wire in a spot I don't like. And I'ma need you to get in that shed, so I can make you squeal like a pig, boy!"

Hey, @Brian Faust! I appreciate the insight. They are definitely a bit more permit happy here. From what I can tell now (their website does not clearly define the details of all required permits), I could replace window glass, but not a full window. Siding seems to require a permit too.

The problem with the work is that even if it is fully up to code, it wasn't performed by someone with a license and I am not technically the homeowner, the LLC is. So, from my understanding, I need to get a licensed pro in there to charge me to look everything over and possibly redo a couple things. Even if there isn't much to alter, I'm sure there's going to be a substantial cost in simply coming out, looking every bit over, as he's putting his name on it, and the cost of using his license.

As far as lost value if I were to sell without permits, my initial thoughts were that it would not be substantial. For example, I might not be able to claim "all new windows", but when you look at the windows and see that they are beautiful and of great quality, you would value it based on that and visual comparison to the competition. Conversely, even if I had permitted all new windows, but they got all scratched up in the process, it wouldn't be relevant that they were new, their condition and appearance would be the true determinant of the value the buyer places on them. Similar argument with siding. It's great to hear "all new siding", but you can see the condition of the siding to know how it's holding up. Not 100% true for every type of upgrade, it certainly wouldn't be as good, but that was the initial thought process.

Glad to hear it's working out, @Clint Shelley! Horrifying to hear they aren't above some dumpster diving!

Thanks, @Matthew Paul. Those are the details I was looking for, initially. I suppose even if I got the drywall up, you could see the wiring date in the attic. The plumbing might be a little easier to drywall up, but access from under the house really kills that one too. Alcohol rub down to remove the ink date?... kidding, kidding... ;)

Here was my next approach, let me know if their are any flaws. Since I haven't been red tagged and any violations on the inside are unknown by the inspector at this point. Can I get a contractor(s) in there to file for the appropriate permits pertaining to the inside without fear of any fines?