Inspections of Permitted Work
We’re planning on doing some extensive exterior work on our house (putting in additional windows, residing, insultating). We bought the house with at least one code violation (shower in cellar), but I’m assuming there are other ones we’re not even aware of. How vulnerable are we to being fined on interior violations during the exterior…
We’re planning on doing some extensive exterior work on our house (putting in additional windows, residing, insultating). We bought the house with at least one code violation (shower in cellar), but I’m assuming there are other ones we’re not even aware of.
How vulnerable are we to being fined on interior violations during the exterior work (or at it’s completion)? In other words, do inspectors do a thorough evaluation of the whole house or do they stick to the area that the permit was for?
yes, jasetheace, do tell who helped you swing this one: i want to hire them!
jasetheace, that sounds too good to be true. Who did you use as an expeditor?
We had a similar situation.
Needed a permit for work but didn’t want them snooping.
Because of the DOB’s pile of work or laziness (fine line) they allow “Self Inspections”.
If you use an expediter like we did, then they will self inspect the job for the permit that you a paying them to get.
How’s that for non conflict!
The DOB have the right to show up on a specific date, but never did.
It sounded too good to be true but not only did the DOB not step foot on our property but they also dropped a complaint from one of our lovely neighbors because we had the paperwork on file for the current job.
hth
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Once you start ripping things down all it takes is one person to call and complain. That will bring out DOB. If you are adding windows in areas that do not have them, then you need to get a permit. Direct replacement is allowed. The shower in the cellar will require a recon to see if they will allow it and if they do, then if needs to be filed. Otherwise, it would need to be removed.
Jock deBoer, AIA
deBoer Architects
inspectors tend to look at the area of work, I have however had them look elsewhere. Rear yard additions, illegal decks, cellar living/bathrooms seem to be a big part of the hit list. The rub in my opinion is that as the “applicant” the architect or engineer attests that the project is code compliant, or something to this extent. And there very well may be things that are not kosher that you are not touching. I have had projects audited and violations issued for things that were pre existing and non compliant. So its very hard to make the argument that I didnt know or I didint touch it. I think honesty is always the best policy and dealing with existing non compliant conditions will only help in the long run.
It depends a lot on what type of application you will or need to file. If it is an alteration type 2 or type 3 than it is not neccessary for DOB to come down at all and you can limit the drawings and construction documents just for the section you are doing the work. If, However, your application is being filed as an alteraion type 1 than you will 99% need to show plans (at least key plans) for the entire building and will be required to take note of all other outstanding code issues unless there is sufficient proof that it was legally there and there is no retroactive requirement for that specific cde issue.
I don’t think (this is my personal opinion) that home inspector’s are that knowledgeable for code issues and they ususally check for physocal stuff. If yoy really want to know if a building complies codewise you should hav an inspection conducted by a licensed proffesional engineer or a registered architect
most inspectors check what they are there for unless they see other issues, like illegal subdividing or apt’s in basement. if they are looking at plumbing work but see that there is electrical work going on, they will investigate further. after so many accidents and deaths during fires, the DOB is more vigilant about what is going on. i got a inspector visit because i had a ‘newly renovated apt for rent’ sign in the window. then there is the one inspector that is particularly nosy…..
Don’t know about the racoon but most inspectors stick to what’s on their pieces of paper & don’t look at anything else unless it’s something horrendously hazardous.