!!rookie mistake!! overhead patio

[kid berzerker]

just about finished with my overhead patio when low and behold BAM!!! city inspector slaps me with a citation...."stop work until i get a build permit". What a rookie mistake, i should have got the permit to begin with but i thought that i wouldn't get caught. I'll post pics soon, it's coming along great....i'm going for a tiki style bar/outdoor kitchen. I wish i would have went with bigger posts (i'm using 4X6)....i'm also trying to incorporate some steel into the build (steel brackets...or something). Anybody have any recomendations for stain....does Behr make a pretty good product, i'm thinking of their premium weatherproofing stuff.

 

[joecaver]

Sorry you got slapped by "The Man". I hope it doesn't slow you down much. As for the use of "Behr Stain" don't do it. Check out Consumer Reports on the subject. They confirmed what I had already decided on my own, that stuff sux. They (CR) rated it at the very bottom of the pile. Spend your money with a real paint store. The paint stores may not have the dollars to spend on ads like HD does but any of them will beat HD in quality.

 

[Kevin54]

Building permits are the easy way to get money from people that have it. they should start fining the ones that don't improve their properties instead of the ones that do

 

[ZRX61]

they should start fining the ones that don't improve their properties instead of the ones that do

Quite possibly one of the most ignorant posts on the board.
I almost got paralysed in a RTA 2 years ago & now can't do yardwork. Let me know when you'l be dropping by to take care of that for me.

 

[duggie]

Most people think Building Permits / Inspectors are a waste of time and money .... but, they are there to make sure everything is built CORRECTLY !!!

I was a CO-OP student with several building departments and you should see some of the **** that people build !!! Some of the worst construction from people that think they "know how to build".

You got slapped by "the man" .... consider it a learning experience !!!!

 

[bigdav160]

Most people think Building Permits / Inspectors are a waste of time and money .... but, they are there to make sure everything is built CORRECTLY !!!

Really?

In my area the purpose of a permit is to alert "the man" that an adjustment (raise) in the amount of property tax is due.

Nothing more.

 

[JMURiz]

They do that around me too, have the permits so they can see what they can change on property tax....but they also check to make sure it won't fall over. My garage has all kinds of hurricane bracing etc I never even knew I needed to pass code. At least now I have some assurance the structure won't fall and crush all my stuff.

So I guess in my area they do it for both reasons.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Most people think Building Permits / Inspectors are a waste of time and money .... but, they are there to make sure everything is built CORRECTLY !!!

I've had more difficulty dealing with our Code Enforcement/ Building Permits department than just about anyone else in our neighborhood, but I will be the first to admit that they serve a purpose - let's see, they stopped my neighbor on the north side from using day laborers (not arborists) to chop down their 75-foot eucalyptus tree (12 feet from my dwelling ).

Five years ago they also stepped in when the neighbor on the other side hired some non-licensed "roofers" to fix her roof, and they spilled hot tar along a 20-foot section of my property .

Granted, they can be pricks, but they're a necessary evil, especially when you're on the receiving end of some potentially hazardous situations.

 

[kid berzerker]

You got slapped by "the man" .... consider it a learning experience !!!!

uuuhhh...i'm actually not worried about it at all, i realize that i should have got a permit to begin with but oh well. As far as the build goes, everythings up to code....almost "overkill" in some areas. My house is on a corner lot....so spotting construction of this type is pretty easy. The inspector said that he can tell by the looks of things that everything looked up to par, but "when the city wants their money....9 times outta 10 they get their money". he laughed after saying that......i didn't

 

[Lloydthumper]

Hello everyone I'm new to the site building my first garage 30X40X12 but when I seen this thread I had to jump in. I have nothing against building inspectors that know what they are doing. I haven't met one in my county that does yet though. But when you have them come out and fail something because the floor only had 1" of fall over the entire 25' span where it was suppose to have 1.5" according to them (Didn't happen to me but a freind of mine) and they told him he would just have to repour the floor That is BS It is a garage floor not a drain way. But one that does tick me off is Having to have a porta John on site I have three homes together with six working restrooms and Me and a buddy of mine are the only contractors working here and I have to spend a $100 for a porta john because they say I have to have it is BS. I have met several contractors that will not do work in Gaston county because of the inspectors. Don't get me wrong I think they serve a very good purpose but If it is reasonible or a 2 minute fix don't just fail it and say call me back after you get it fixed just so they can charge another $25 dollars for a reinspection fee. Sorry just one of my pet peeves. Great site though.

 

[bobs409]

When I built my garage last year, the building permit was the easy one, it only cost me $7.00 They told me there wouldn't be any inspections (I guess because it's only a garage) so this is obviously just a way to get money. I can handle 7 bucks so no big deal on that.

The one that chapped my **** is the zoning permit. $150.00!!! I think the workers in that office should have been wearing ski masks because I sure felt like I was robbed!

 

[oldgoat]

Years ago my boss poured a concrete floor in his garage over a weekend. When he got done pouring it the city inspector pulled up and asked for his permit. When he didn't have one he was told he had to remove the concrete, get a permit and then he could pour it again, and yes he did end up having to do it.
When I built my garage I made sure I had a permit and had it inspected because I didn't want to get into a hassle with the city inspection. It is for my own good I guess, but on the other hand it is also a source of revenue and a property tax increase.

 

[wilbilt]

I have found most of the inspectors in this area to be reasonable enough. A key point is not to argue every decision with them.

In my experience, they are happy to explain why a certain requirement is in place when asked about it. They are also good about offering alternative suggestions to meet code when there is such a question.

On the other hand, I have seen times when people have been forced to redo expensive things - like concrete - because they wanted to **** heads with the inspector at every turn.

 

[73super]

I agree with the idea that it's a way for "the man" to milk you for $$$$. I'm all for safety codes, etc., but they keep changing them! I think we have way too many people with nothing better to do with their time. Yes, some codes are absolutely mind boggling.. They should have a standard set of codes to go by, stop nit-picking, and let people build! I've noticed also in my area how the fees keep increasing each year as well... hmmmm... I guess once you have a cash cow you milk it for all it's worth!

 

[rodnok1]

I can't the freaking inspectors to return my calls or come out around here, They wouldn't give me any information about a temp power pole, there opinion is if you don't know we ain't gonna tell ya. I think they do it because they don't like diyers. I called and left msgs to the one elec inspector 8 times before I finally got him in person, then he came out to inspect temp power. I'd wait a few days then call back. Never did get ahold of build insp about what inspections he wants for pole barn...screw him. The only inspection I'll get is for perm power. and yes I do have permits.
Here's a interesting situation. I couldn't get build permit without truss design from manufacturer, but yet they gave my permit on the spot when I applied for it. No review of any plans or designs. The freaking TAX guy has been out already though. He said where's the barn, I said it's that big pile of lumber wanna help? He said no tax this year, but you will have to pay next year.

 

[mdshore348]

if your smart enough to construct something properly, your smart enough to keep it from the man . one big hint/tip... you know they dont work on weekends. you can .but finish it and paint it.

 

[Fxjnkmn]

I got a permit to build my garage,[$265] the inspector never got out of his car, it was drizzling rain, 4 days later I got my increased tax bill $100 for 6 months. Don

 

[sjsfire]

I built my 8x12 yard shed two years ago when we moved into our new home. The village we built in has had 500+ new homes go up in the last 20 years. I'd say about 75% or more has added a yard shed. The permit was only $25, it wasn't about he money. They had the town council meeting highlights in the local paper and one of the councilmen raised the issue of all these yard shed being built with no permits. So they decided not to go after the homeowners......too much trouble. I cut that article out of the paper and have it saved. I was asked by one of the city employees if I got a building permit for my shed, I pulled the article out of my file cabinet and told him when he collects from the others I will pay. Never heard from them since.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I built my 8x12 yard shed two years ago when we moved into our new home. The village we built in has had 500+ new homes go up in the last 20 years. I'd say about 75% or more has added a yard shed. The permit was only $25, it wasn't about he money. They had the town council meeting highlights in the local paper and one of the councilmen raised the issue of all these yard shed being built with no permits. So they decided not to go after the homeowners......too much trouble. I cut that article out of the paper and have it saved. I was asked by one of the city employees if I got a building permit for my shed, I pulled the article out of my file cabinet and told him when he collects from the others I will pay. Never heard from them since.

Made my day man!

 

[jpekarek]

Building permits are designed to protect the future owner of your home from shoddy work and to protect YOU from the work of the previous owner. How would you like to buy a house and then find out that the garage and bedrooms over it are not done correctly or not strong enough? How would it be if you bought a home with an "overhead patio" and the thing collapsed on you injuring your kid or yourself? If there were no permit your insurance company would deny your claim and you would be in a world of hurt! My house has had several additions over the years. If the permits were not all registered I would not feel very safe that the construction was done right.

 

[cc_rider]

I want to know why I've had inspectors swarming all over MY projects, but my neighbor across the alley added almost 1000 sq.ft. of living space to her house WITHOUT A SINGLE PERMIT OR INSPECTION. I've even called the City about her construction, and they've done NOTHING. But they continue to hassle ME over items she calls in. Which wouldn't bother me so much if I was in violation, but I'm NOT. And SHE IS!

No, she is not a high muckety-muck or politician or anything. Just a schnook.

c.

 

[bigdav160]

Building permits are designed to protect the future owner of your home from shoddy work and to protect YOU from the work of the previous owner. How would you like to buy a house and then find out that the garage and bedrooms over it are not done correctly or not strong enough? How would it be if you bought a home with an "overhead patio" and the thing collapsed on you injuring your kid or yourself? If there were no permit your insurance company would deny your claim and you would be in a world of hurt! My house has had several additions over the years. If the permits were not all registered I would not feel very safe that the construction was done right.

Nice scare tactic <Yawn>

I live near one of the biggest cities in the US. As long as you're not inside the city limits there is no inspection process or real permitting.

Hundreds of thousands of homes and additions built outside the city limits without inspections yet I've never heard of the problems you suggest.

Perhaps people just need to start thinking and educate themselves a little better and quit relying on government to do it for them.

 

[jpekarek]

Nice scare tactic <Yawn>

I live near one of the biggest cities in the US. As long as you're not inside the city limits there is no inspection process or real permitting.

Hundreds of thousands of homes and additions built outside the city limits without inspections yet I've never heard of the problems you suggest.

Perhaps people just need to start thinking and educate themselves a little better and quit relying on government to do it for them.

Scare tactics? I'm not trying to scare anyone. Just pointing out a fact and anybody with half a brain should understand this. Building permits are there for many reasons. One is to keep the builders and contractors honest. If there were no inspectors who knows what the people building your house would have done to save money and speed things up. Maybe they didn't use the seismic straps that keep your house on top of the foundation? How would you know? Are you saying that earthquakes don't happen? Maybe they didn't terminate the wiring and switches properly in the correct boxes and use the right gauge of wire? How would you know? Are you saying that short circuits and overloads don’t happen? Maybe they tried to save some money by using half inch sheetrock on the garage ceiling instead of the 5/8” fire code stuff? How would you know? Are you saying that house fires don’t happen? Maybe they tried to save some money by not using rebar in the foundations and slabs? How would you know? Are you saying that concrete doesn’t crack?

I certainly don’t think that the government should control everything we do, but it makes me sleep better at night knowing that I have records and documents showing that my house was built properly and that someone took the time to check on it and make sure the builders did it right. I was not there in 1973 during the building of my house when I was 7 years old so how am I supposed to “educate” myself in this situation? Guess what, someone else WAS there and they DID make sure it was build correctly. That was the permit inspector and he left an official record saying that it was done right.

Yes there are thousands of houses built every year without permits and records. Just try selling one to somebody.

 

[73super]

I don't think anybody is saying that there shouldn't be certains standards in place, but anybody that has dealt with the process and the inspection process knows that it can get ridiculous. There needs to be a happy medium there somewhere especially when it comes to add-ons and "sheds".. When you have an inspector or permit guy come and not get out of his car, what's really going on there? Arguments on both sides, but I do believe in the statement that you need to educate yourself..

I can tell whether or not a house built in '73 was built correctly or not.

Just my 2-cents worth.

 

[jpekarek]

I don't think anybody is saying that there shouldn't be certains standards in place, but anybody that has dealt with the process and the inspection process knows that it can get ridiculous. There needs to be a happy medium there somewhere especially when it comes to add-ons and "sheds".. When you have an inspector or permit guy come and not get out of his car, what's really going on there? Arguments on both sides, but I do believe in the statement that you need to educate yourself..

I can tell whether or not a house built in '73 was built correctly or not.

Just my 2-cents worth.

I whole heartedly agree. I put on an addition and went through hell with inspectors over a beam in the garage. Drove me crazy and held up my addition for 3 weeks.

I'm glad you have the knowledge to tell if your house was built correctly or not. I don't, that is not my area of expertise so I need to rely on someone else. Being my second home though, I am learning as I go like everyone has to do.

I am curious though...How can you tell if the rebar in the foundation is tied correctly, or if there are seismic straps under the siding and sheetrock, or if the wiring inside the walls is done right, of if there is the required 24" x 24" concrete post pad beneith your garage slab, or if the studs were nailed correctly inside the walls, ect... ect...

These are all things you cannot see so how can you tell? Just because the house looks to be done correctly from the outside does not mean that everything beneith the "skin" was done right. These are the exact places where builders will cut corners.

As a matter of fact, the county inspector probably saved me a ton of grief and maybe even my life. My addition was a 2 car garage and 2 bedrooms over it. When my builders installed the glu-lam spanning the width of the garage, they notched the ends incorrectly to fit over the top plates and on top of that they installed the thing upside down! I didn't know any better and apparently they didn't either. When the inspector came in to check the framing he noticed those issues. It was only then that I learned that glue-lam beams have a specific top and a bottom and are pre stressed with an arc. If they are under a certain certain length it doesn't matter but I was over by 6 feet. You also cannot notch the ends like they did because it ruins the integrety of the wood in the ends.

Personally I am glad the inspector found those things and made my builders correct them. Like I said, I didn't know although you may have.

If your wife went out and bought a new car, would you expect her to go and learn all about auto mechanics just to be able to drive it, no.

I have lived in several houses and the whole process IS the education. I don't need to be a builder just to own a home or be an electronic engineer just to buy a new radio. But you learn as you go.

 

[78fj40]

Here's a good story for you all to argue about...

My sister and her husband bought a house in the woods somewhere up in Maryland last year. They paid someone $400 to inspect the house.

They lived there and did some major renovations to the house. tile/cabinets/landscaping/fireplace work/etc. Then they decided to tackle re-doing the garage that was down in the basement. SO they asked a drywall contractor to come out and give a price.

So the guy shows up to take a look and notices something right off bat. Whoever built the house used 2x6's to frame frame the kitchen floor. Yes the same kitchen floor that they just finished putting new tile/cement board down on.

So they hire an engineer to come an give an assessment. Here is where it gets interesting. The house is not attached to the foundation. No straps/ no j hooks, nothing. Just a single story rancher sitting up there on the foundation. There is no sill plate. That's right, no salt treated piece of lumber.

The house is less than 15 years old. The house was issued a permit, but the county never issued a CO. So they bought a house from the previous owner who bought the house from a builder that was never issued a CO from the county. The same county that doubled the assessed value since my sister moved in. The same county that recoded the deed twice. The same county that says they are not liable for obvious inspections that didn't take place......

The topper is the $400 home inspector that is only liable for $800 for stuff he missed as per his written contract with the Realtor.

I still think she has a case against the county.....IMO

 

[cc_rider]

These stories point out the saddest part about the whole thing. Building codes and permits ARE designed to protect the public: from unsafe construction, unscrupulous contractors, etc. But the system is BROKEN. Contractors get 'drive-by' inspections, and DIY'ers get fine-tooth-combed. And if you don't bother with any permits or inspections? Nothing happens. NOTHING. Not even when you sell the house: the inspector is not responsible even if he misses major structural problems.

The house we 'flipped' was built in the 60's, and the contractor left out the center beam in the slab foundation. And it was approved anyway! We spent $30K having the foundation rebuilt. I guarantee every house in the neighborhood has the same problem, and they've all been sold time and again. It's a total crock. Crooks get away with shoddy construction all the time.

My garage was custom designed and built by an architecture/construction company. They use only the most reputable subs, and have the highest standards I've ever seen. And the inspectors went over it like ants! Because it wasn't built by one of their 'buddies', they felt compelled to inspect every single wallplate. Which wouldn't bother me if everyone got the same treatment. But I've walked through brand-new 'developer' construction, and seen multiple failures, without even looking close! This is AFTER C.O. too! What a load. Bunch o' crooks.

Whew! Enough ranting. I'm thirsty...

c.

 

[Herb]

These stories point out the saddest part about the whole thing. Building codes and permits ARE designed to protect the public: from unsafe construction, unscrupulous contractors, etc. But the system is BROKEN. Contractors get 'drive-by' inspections, and DIY'ers get fine-tooth-combed. And if you don't bother with any permits or inspections? Nothing happens. NOTHING. Not even when you sell the house: the inspector is not responsible even if he misses major structural problems.

The house we 'flipped' was built in the 60's, and the contractor left out the center beam in the slab foundation. And it was approved anyway! We spent $30K having the foundation rebuilt. I guarantee every house in the neighborhood has the same problem, and they've all been sold time and again. It's a total crock. Crooks get away with shoddy construction all the time.

My garage was custom designed and built by an architecture/construction company. They use only the most reputable subs, and have the highest standards I've ever seen. And the inspectors went over it like ants! Because it wasn't built by one of their 'buddies', they felt compelled to inspect every single wallplate. Which wouldn't bother me if everyone got the same treatment. But I've walked through brand-new 'developer' construction, and seen multiple failures, without even looking close! This is AFTER C.O. too! What a load. Bunch o' crooks.

Whew! Enough ranting. I'm thirsty...

c.

YEP, THAT SAYS IT ALL!

 

[mdshore348]

see regardless of the little orange sticker , you still can be screwed . just like anything else , you have to know what your doing and what your getting into when you build and/or buy a home ...nothing is idiot proof these days..

 

[Lloydthumper]

I don't get along with most of them. Mostly because of the power that is put in there hands and it is to easy to abuse it. But there are ways to mess with them also call your state inspection office and talk to someone if you are getting the run around with the local inspectors. Ultimately the local inspectors have the say but there are somethings that are controlled by the state and if you get the right person they might let you in on them. Such as in my county if it fails twice after that they start charging you.($25)each. But alot don't know that you can request Two courtsy inspections that on top of those two that they can't charge you for and have to point out everything that is wrong for each inspection so you can actually have them come out 4 times at no charge for each step. I have a friend of mine that was having trouble with inspectors and he did this and with them and after about 8 times coming out for two inspections there supervisor paid him a visit and asked what could they do to stop all this none sense. He told them just do the inspection and tell him what needed to be done and don't be a **** and they would have no problems. After that he did have them tell him a few things that needed to be done but he didn't fail a single inspection. I am not saying that all of them are power hungry but it only takes one bad apple to spoil the barrel.