Permits Don’t Mean Quality Work
DEAR TIM: I am getting ready to remodel my basement. My contractor has told me that a building permit is not necessary for this type of job. I feel uneasy about doing the job without a permit. Will the building inspector make sure that I get a quality job? P. Y.
DEAR P. Y.: Your instincts are right on target. Generally speaking, a building permit is required for most remodeling jobs. Based upon the description of your job there is no doubt in my mind that a permit would be required. Make sure your contractor obtains a permit.
However, do not rely upon the building inspector to be the judge of the overall quality of your project. Usually, the building inspectors are charged with the responsibility of enforcing the minimum standards of the building code. Often, certain aspects of a job can be installed per code and, believe it or not, be of very poor quality.
If you have questions regarding quality standards and the building code, request to be present when your building inspector shows up for routine inspections. The inspector will in most cases answer your questions. After all, he or she inspects many jobs and sees different levels of craftsmanship on a daily basis. Don't hesitate to ask his or her opinion.
Tim built custom homes and did ultra-custom remodeling for 20+ years before launching his Ask the Builder media presence. He was selected as one of the Big 50 by Remodeling magazine in 1993. This award gave birth to Ask the Builder in October 1993. Tim also operates https://DrawPlumbingPlans.com. His @askthebuilder YouTube channel was the first home improvement channel on YouTube.