Need help understanding permits?
How does a DIY get around needing to get a plumbing permit and electrical permit?
I live in a small municipality in St.Louis county. I called the building inspector because I had a couple questions about they type of supply lines I could use. I am going to install a full bath in the basement.
He began telling me I need to get a structural permit (or something like that) that he would do. Then he said I need to get a plumbing permit and electrical permit from St. Louis county.
He also said I would need to have licensed plumbers and electricians do the work.
I am planning on doing the work myself with a friend who has all kinds of experience doing both plumbing and electrical.
So how do I get around this issue? What are the consequences if Barny Pheif buliding inspector comes around?
My state as a whole doesn't have professional licenses, but some cities require "city licenses" for electrical and plumbing work. In these cases we find city licensed electrical or plumbing contractors to "pull" our permits for us (usually for a fee), we do the work… they stop by and inspect before the city inspector does a final inspection. In general, it doesn't matter who does the work, as long as it is to code… if the permits are aquired by a licensed individual, they are vouching for your work. (It usually takes a friend of a friend type of arrangement.) We've paid anywhere from $150 to $500 as fees for permit pulling. (Depends on the job… most hover around $200.) Keeping this in mind, sometimes it is cheaper to just give in and hire the "professional"… as much as us DIYers hate to do it. Best of luck…
Talk soon,
Joe Beaven
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crispy critter Says:
There are 3 ways to get around the issue:
1. Hire someone to do all the work and get the required permits.
2. Hire someone to do all the work and get the required permits and offer that person that you will assist them with the hopes of getting a lower price. This may not fly as many insurance providers will not allow trades-people to have unskilled help.
3. Do the work with your friend and don't worry about a permit. Since the work is in your basement and not in the public eye, the chances of the Building Inspector randomly coming by to do an inspection are slim, unless someone tips him off and he has an ax to grind with you.
The biggest consequence that you could possibly run in to would be much farther down the line when (or if) you go to sell your house and the house you are selling does not match what is on record with the town. I have seen instances where people who have done full basement renovations with no permits, who have had to have closed wall electrical and plumbing inspections, pay for the permits, and pay for the fine of doing work without a permit, in order to have a valid Certificate of Occupancy before the house sold.
Good luck.
References :
Posted on January 17th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Semper Fidelis Says:
My state as a whole doesn't have professional licenses, but some cities require "city licenses" for electrical and plumbing work. In these cases we find city licensed electrical or plumbing contractors to "pull" our permits for us (usually for a fee), we do the work… they stop by and inspect before the city inspector does a final inspection. In general, it doesn't matter who does the work, as long as it is to code… if the permits are aquired by a licensed individual, they are vouching for your work. (It usually takes a friend of a friend type of arrangement.) We've paid anywhere from $150 to $500 as fees for permit pulling. (Depends on the job… most hover around $200.) Keeping this in mind, sometimes it is cheaper to just give in and hire the "professional"… as much as us DIYers hate to do it. Best of luck…
References :
Posted on January 17th, 2009 at 9:20 am