DoB Question
Two years ago I renovated a tiny house. I had a general contractor, a plumber, an electrician and an engineer. The construction permit was to fix the house as is, but the fixing was extensive, so I needed a permit. I also got new electrical and plumbing systems, done by licensed people. The plumber self-inspected when the inspector did not show up. The DoB sent an electrical inspector and the work passed. The engineer, who had no relationship to the contractor and was the most helpful to me, certified the construction permit, and I thought that was that. The permits were closed. Today a DoB inspector showed up at my door. He wanted to inspect the construction part of the job. He said he had no interest in the plumbing or electric. I would not let him in because first of all, I was afraid it was a scam. Second of all, even though everything was done according to plan as far as I know, I am leery of the DoB and I remembered reading here advice not to let inspectors in the house unless it’s scheduled. The inspector got angry and said he would be back to ticket me repeatedly if I did not let him in. He left a sheet and told me to call his supervisor for an explanation. I called and it turns out he was on the level. The supervisor said I was chosen for a “random audit” which they do to “protect people from unscrupulous contractors.” I have been living here for two years and have no complaints. The supervisor basically said they will make my life a living hell if I do not let them in, and as I said, as far as I know, I have nothing to hide. Has anyone every heard of a situation like this? It sounds like I have to let them in, but because the situation is so strange, I have a bad feeling about it.
dylanfan
in Dept. of Buildings (DOB) 11 years and 5 months ago
6
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6 replies
dylanfan | 11 years and 5 months ago
Thank you, Ventilated. Your story helps.
ventilated | 11 years and 5 months ago
We did a no-work alteration a few years ago, which the DOB visited as result of internal audit. The inspector looked at the work, asked to see and was shown another unrelated part of the building, and subsequently dismissed the complaint as follows: “Work is completed and substantially compliant to plan. OK to sign-off.” You can check whether your audit’s recorded on DOB BIS. Check Complaints, Actions, etc., at bottom of page.
steam_man | 11 years and 5 months ago
If you have nothing to hide, let them in. As for their threats, don’t let it bother you. It’s DOB’s way of making sure the public doesn’t get too out of control and think they are running the asylum. DOB is fully in charge of the asylum…have you ever been to 210 Joralemon St.?
dylanfan | 11 years and 5 months ago
Yes, I used an expeditor.
Townie | 11 years and 5 months ago
If you feel that they are threatening you with unwarranted retribution you might consider calling DOI. http://www.nyc.gov/html/doi/html/report/wrongdoing.shtml CORRUPTION AWARENESS AND REPORTING GUIDELINES What is Official Misconduct? (NYS Penal Law) A public servant is guilty of official misconduct when he/she intends to obtain a benefit or to injure or deprive another person of a benefit and knowingly commits an unauthorized act relating to his official functions, or knowingly refrains from performing a duty that is clearly mandated by law or by his job. Some examples of official misconduct include: An inspector falsely reports that a restaurant is in violation of the Health Code because of an argument with the restaurant owner.
mozeeatupu | 11 years and 5 months ago
Your job was probably randomly selected because of the self certification done by the engineer. Did you use an expeditor? Hopefully they don’t give you a hard time. Keep us updated.