Didn't Consult Inspector When Building
#1
08-20-04, 01:13 AM
Didn't Consult Inspector When Building
Hi everyone, I have a question about inspectors. I have a friend who just built their house themselves. They didn't hire anyone exept someone to put up the drywall. They tore down their old house and built their new one on the old one's foundation. But they didn't have an inspector come to the house during the build or notify anyone. Someone turned them in to an inspector after it was done and now the inspector is coming out to their house. Apparently they're facing 3 months in jail and they might have to tear the house down. Is this true? Can they do that? What should they do? Thanks a lot. 
#2
08-20-04, 06:09 AM
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It's really a matter of local laws/rules, but I seriously doubt there could be any jail time involved, it's probably not a criminal offense. I'm not sure why they did it that way, anyone with the skills to build a house has to know that permits and inspections are a normal part of building.
In California failure to obtain a permit before starting DOUBLES the cost of the permit (somewhat of a fine) and you still have to pay for the inspections. Most cities here in Texas (only cities can enforce building codes down here, so if you build outside a city limits you might pay less than $100 for a permit and then just do whatever you want), require a minimum of 4 or 5 inspections. That would be electric, plumbing, framing/structural, heat/cool and insulation IIRC. Each of those has a fee. I'm not sure how the inspector could sign off on the plumbing and electrical if the house is finished.
I don't think they could require the house be torn down, but could definitely require it be brought up to code.
Time to go get a lawyer who's politically tied in/done lots of work for or before the local planning board.
Frank
In California failure to obtain a permit before starting DOUBLES the cost of the permit (somewhat of a fine) and you still have to pay for the inspections. Most cities here in Texas (only cities can enforce building codes down here, so if you build outside a city limits you might pay less than $100 for a permit and then just do whatever you want), require a minimum of 4 or 5 inspections. That would be electric, plumbing, framing/structural, heat/cool and insulation IIRC. Each of those has a fee. I'm not sure how the inspector could sign off on the plumbing and electrical if the house is finished.
I don't think they could require the house be torn down, but could definitely require it be brought up to code.
Time to go get a lawyer who's politically tied in/done lots of work for or before the local planning board.
Frank
#3
08-20-04, 09:23 AM
Super Moderator
I'm inclined to agree with Frank in that you won't be having to find out how to bake a file in a cake. 
In our local rural municipalty it is very commom for folks to build garages and outbuildings without permits.
Here what really works is sucking up.
If you confess your ignorance, show your regret and throw yourself at their mercy, you will get much further than if you take a defiant or defensive stand.
If in an apologetic tone your friend explains how things were done that are hidden, has a reciprocating saw in his hands while he said it prepared to start cutting, the inspector may take him at his word and show mercy.
Mind you, if your friend took a lot of short cuts, he better prepare for a lot of work. He'll never win in court.
In our local rural municipalty it is very commom for folks to build garages and outbuildings without permits.
Here what really works is sucking up.
If you confess your ignorance, show your regret and throw yourself at their mercy, you will get much further than if you take a defiant or defensive stand.
If in an apologetic tone your friend explains how things were done that are hidden, has a reciprocating saw in his hands while he said it prepared to start cutting, the inspector may take him at his word and show mercy.
Mind you, if your friend took a lot of short cuts, he better prepare for a lot of work. He'll never win in court.
#4
08-20-04, 07:19 PM
She lives right outside of Seattle, Washington. They did everything in the house to code and they took pictures of everything they did-they have a whole box full of them. How much do you think it will cost them if they totally cooperate with the inspectors? Just a rough estimate would be appreciated. And do you think they will still want them to remove parts of the walls if they have the pictures of everything? The house is pretty small, but not too small-3 bedrooms, 2 baths, small second floor. Thanks.
#5
08-20-04, 08:00 PM
Super Moderator
No one here would have the slightest clue what the fees would be unless they are familiar with the city or municipality they reside in.
There will be guidelines the inspector will follow when dealing with this but I'm sure he/she will have a great deal of leeway.
A picture might do it but doesn't always show what the inspector may want to see.
Hopefull he will go easy on them.
Let us know how they make out.
There will be guidelines the inspector will follow when dealing with this but I'm sure he/she will have a great deal of leeway.
A picture might do it but doesn't always show what the inspector may want to see.
Hopefull he will go easy on them.
Let us know how they make out.
#6
12-12-04, 07:01 PM
Greg is right. Building permit fee's vary greatly. Here in Missouri where I live a building permit in the city limits for a 1500 sf home will set you back a little over $2,000 depending on how new of a subdivision it is. If its an older one without access to a later and you have to tap a main line the cost goes up as does the cost if you need to make a street cut etc.
Additionally if you fail an inspection you must pay $25 for a reinspect. Anyhow I actually heard of a story of a guy in Washington state who did this same thing your talking of. He ended up settling it with the inspectors by basically paying for a permit and he had to remove a few sheets of drywall and some siding etc so they could look at what was underneath.
Where I live I dont recall the exact rule as it doesnt come up often but building a structure in the city limits without a permit is against the law and the fine is so much per square foot of the building. It seems it is something around double the cost of the price per square foot required for the general building permit.
But it does vary widely by location. One thing to remember is that the inspectors are only doing their jobs and they are doing it for your safety and for someone else who may happen to purchase this home down the road.
Additionally if you fail an inspection you must pay $25 for a reinspect. Anyhow I actually heard of a story of a guy in Washington state who did this same thing your talking of. He ended up settling it with the inspectors by basically paying for a permit and he had to remove a few sheets of drywall and some siding etc so they could look at what was underneath.
Where I live I dont recall the exact rule as it doesnt come up often but building a structure in the city limits without a permit is against the law and the fine is so much per square foot of the building. It seems it is something around double the cost of the price per square foot required for the general building permit.
But it does vary widely by location. One thing to remember is that the inspectors are only doing their jobs and they are doing it for your safety and for someone else who may happen to purchase this home down the road.
