The Costs Of Not Pulling Permits

By Angie’s List

  One of the initial steps to any project is obtaining the proper permits and is often factored into the timeline for job completion. Since unlicensed contractors can't pull permits for home improvement projects, this greatly calls attention to the importance of hiring a licensed contractor.

 
Many consumers are not aware of the full costs associated with contractors not pulling permits.
Here are the primary repercussions to the homeowner when permits aren't pulled on time or at all
Hard to sell - the house likely won't pass inspection should they try to sell it.

Insurance issues - homeowner insurance policy modifications or changing companies often require a Certificate of Occupancy. If the certificate doesn't show structural changes that have been made, the insurance company can decline coverage because it's not code compliant.

Safety considerations - especially when work is completed that could represent potential fire hazards.

Double the costs - any permits pulled after work has already been completed include a fine that doubles what would have been the initial costs of pulling a permit before work was done. First, they need to contact their local building and planning commission as they are now responsible for pulling the permits.

Homeowner accountability – permits pulled after work is completed is the responsibility of the homeowner. It requires the inspection of visible modifications and changes not visible, which need to be detailed by the contractor or a hired structural engineer.

How Do I Notify A Contractor That I Did Not Choose For My Project?

You’ve done your due diligence deciphering multiple bids comparing them as apples to apples and now you made your decision. Next you call the awarded contractor to tell him the four words they want hear, “you’ve got the job”. But, what about the other contenders who didn’t get the job?  

Be sure to notify these contractors as soon as you know you will not be using them; it isn't fair for them to be left wondering when they will hear back or if they should hold open a schedule for your project, etc. You should notify everyone whom you contacted or received a bid from; they spent time to meet with you, prepared and submitted an estimate at no cost to you. In general, contractors are “big boys” that understand they will not get every job they bid, but they should not have to contact you to find out if a decision has been made. Email and regular mail is the least confrontational and easiest method, but phone calls are quite acceptable. It will be appreciated more than you’ll know.

Also keep in mind, you may need one of these contractors again in the future for another project or even help with the current if things go wrong, etc. Don't burn any bridges; and always be professional.

The Truth About Contractors and Scheduling

Ever wonder why contractors have the reputation of not calling back right away, not showing up, or being late. No, it’s not that they’re lazy or too busy playing golf at every waking moment. Contractors typically are juggling more things in a day than a circus act performer. There are appointments for prospective jobs, estimating jobs, employees and jobs to manage, materials to order, pick up and get delivered to the job site, and multiple of other tasks associated with running a business.

Contractors typically are juggling more things in a day

than a circus act performer.

No remodeling project is the same, the estimated time a project will take is not an exact science and sometimes things just take longer than expected. This can throw an entire day of scheduling off. But the biggest offender of a schedule killer is an unexpected discovery of something that needs to be fixed or dealt with during a remodeling phase before that project can continue (like dry rot). It’s a rippling effect on a day’s plan that can literally drive a contractor one step closer to the “nutty” farm. But good contractors will make every attempt to keep their schedule with you, at the very least keep you informed if there is a delay. But, they are after all only human and sometimes things are simply out of their control. So next time you think your contractor is ignoring you, chances are he’s not, he’s simply taking care of someone else’s problems just like you’d want him to take care yours if and when they arise with your project.    

Small Changes Helped Sell This Home Fast

We recently finished this small bathroom remodel for some wonderful friends who were selling their home. The original tub and surround were never level which caused water leakage at the back corner ledge each time the shower was used. We replaced the tub and shower stall and hardware, re-sheetrocked the entire bathroom in moisture proof board, took out the old medicine cabinet, and replaced the old “Diva” vanity light with a new updated one. The old vanity was repurposed and repainted by the homeowners and we installed a new all in one cultured stone vanity top to complete it. The client painted the walls and staged the new towel holders with white fluffy towels. The result? The house sold in 5 days!