need rec for DOB savvy plumber
I need a DOB savvy plumber to help me close out a thorny open permit. I bought last year in middle of the meltdown and even though there was an outstanding plumbing permit, I had no trouble with my mortage – didn’t even need to put money in escrow. But now I’m refinancing and I’m…
I need a DOB savvy plumber to help me close out a thorny open permit.
I bought last year in middle of the meltdown and even though there was an outstanding plumbing permit, I had no trouble with my mortage – didn’t even need to put money in escrow. But now I’m refinancing and I’m being told to take care of it.
It’s one of those instances where the work was done in 1999 and the original plumber retired and the next plumber lost his license, etc. No one is sure what really needs sign off, etc.
The original architect is expediting the job (since it was never closed out) but I’d love to hire a plumber to take over the plumbing portion and basically help me navigate the DOB process just so my closures are treated fairly. Any recs? Thx.
If a previous Plumber lost the right to “self-certify”, the new Plumber might be able to have that right re-instated when they take over the job. Look into it.
Hello again. Sorry, I don’t know anything about the 2009 vs. 1999 code issue. The main problem with our situation is that the original plummer lost the right to “self-certify” the job according to the DOB. So even though Sessa can usually self-certify, they can’t do it on our permit. Therefore, the DOB sends round an inspector every time. If your job has not been designated “cannot self-certify” then this may make things easier for you.
Also, I should mention that the reason why this has taken so long is largely due to the fact that they seller took forever to release the escrow money. Even though the contract said they had 3 months from the closing date, they still took 1 year and 6 months. So we have really only been dealing with the DOB for the last 6 months. Good luck!!
PS originally signed off by DOB! but papers never filed
Thanks Turtlejam19 – we negotiated a discount on the sale price which I’m hoping will cover it all but it was a risk. I’m mostly worried about repeating your situation – 2 year hell. Ours SEEMS really simple – the jobs were never closed even tho everything was tested and signed off upon (arrgh) and everything has worked for 10 years. Think the keys are whether:
a) the DOB only evaluates the permitted work or starts reevalating the house’s entire plumbing system
b) we have to live up to the new 2009 code or just make sure it was in compliance as of 1999 when the work was done.
any insight? thx again for the referral.
Hello. I am in the exact same situation myself. I recently hired Sessa plumbing to facilitate the sign-off. We are having our hopefully final inspection this week. Sessa is fantastic (they know how to navigate the DOB), but they are expensive. Its worth it to us to be sure the job is done well. But even they cannot say for sure exactly what the DOB will want for the sign-off. The DOB is a total conundrum. So be prepared for this to get very frustrating -and for it to take a while. We bought our house 2 years ago and are still working this out.
Why didn’t you get the original owner to put money into escrow to ensure the sign-off? Are they taking any responsibility for it? We had our seller put money into escrow, and when the deadline passed for the sign-off (3 months from closing date) we made them pay it out to us. We are now fully responsible, but at least we have some funds to cover it.