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January 14, 2008
Retroactive permits for renovations
We are about to put our house on the market. The problem is that we have done extensive renovations (dug out and finished basement , extension on the back with outside deck on top) We didn’t get any permits and now have to retroactively get them.
Can I call the DOB to start this process, or do I physically have to go down there myself.
tia
Comments
Since I'm largely ignorant of the issues I'm wondering why you have to get the permits to put the house on the market? Is it largely because of the room addition? Did you change the number of units (families) so that a new CO is required?
Probably most houses in brooklyn have done work without permits albeit largely confined to interior remodelling and, at most, floorplan changes and bathroom/kitchen additions. What has made you come to the conclusion that you need to do this?
Thanks for instructing me
Posted by: guest at January 14, 2008 9:23 AM
you dug out the basement without getting a permit? wow. you are screwed, and rightfully so.
and this is coming from someone who doesn't think you need to get permits for every little thing as some people on here do.
Posted by: guest at January 14, 2008 9:55 AM
Agree with original poster. While we were house hunting, we saw a lot of houses that had work done over the year without a permit. Its pretty commonplace in Brooklyn as far as I can tell.
While it would have better if you had done it with the proper permits and sign-off whne the work is done, I don't know if going to the DOB to get it signed off now is the best use of funds and time.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at January 14, 2008 10:00 AM
Jase, you are no ace. If it weren't for the structural work involved with the dug out basement, you could probably just find an engineer to file this self-certify.
I agree with 9:55. It's going to be difficult to find someone to do this for you retroactively. It's going to cost you. The first thing I would do is contact an expediter. They may know an architect or engineer who can do the drawings for you. This will probably need to be inspected and if any work was not done to code, it will have to be redone.
Think before you renovate next time. I hope your house does not sink in and kill some kids playing in the basement.
Posted by: guest at January 14, 2008 10:00 AM
I have the same question - why do you need permits now? are you having trouble selling without them? We havene't done any structural work, but we put a bathroom in the basement without a permit
Posted by: guest at January 14, 2008 10:49 AM
Yet ANOTHER fake post. Where are you Mr. Brownstoner monitoring this site?
Posted by: guest at January 14, 2008 10:57 AM
Why is this fake?
The poster is not trying to sell us anything, or trying to shed good light on a specific situation.
Posted by: guest at January 14, 2008 11:16 AM
This one really gets my goat. What's funny about this poster is he/she was ready to call in the cavalry on a neighbor who had suspect off street parking in a previous post. Meanwhile, he is doing committing far worse offenses like digging foundation without a permit and building extensions complete with leaky roofs. I'd hope those neighbors of yours on 16th st you called 311 on do not figure you out. Karma's a bitch.
Posted by: guest at January 14, 2008 1:43 PM
By all means, call an expediter before you call the city. better yet, call 2 or 3 and get estimates/opinions.
Posted by: guest at January 14, 2008 3:28 PM
10:49. I hope someone sues you.
Posted by: guest at January 14, 2008 9:07 PM
There might be some safety issues with the work you did.
Please get some expert opinions.
Your paperwork has to be in order before you sell.
The sellers home inspector will take note of every detail.
legal or not.
Posted by: Ysabelle at January 15, 2008 3:26 PM
heck, we put a bus terminal in our basement without a permit.
Posted by: guest at January 15, 2008 7:16 PM
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