Basement Development Question

[Smarty39]

Just wanted to know what everyone's personal opinion was on permits. I know that you are legally required to obtain various permits (mech, elec, HVAC, plumbing, etc.) when you develop a basement....but I also know that 95% of people don't!

What have you guys done in the past? I'm looking to get mine going in the next week or so. I developed most of my parents basement by myself without a permit, but for some reason with my own place it doesn't feel right lol

[James]

Re: Basement Development Question

I wouldnt bother (and wont when i begin finishing my basement this fall)

edit: a bunch of my buddies are in trades and will be doing the work with their companies equip. so clearly they dont take it too seriously either

[nismodrifter]

Re: Basement Development Question

Permits are for noobz yo! Just say NO to the permit .

[Khyron]

Re: Basement Development Question

Insurance companies like it because they can void your entire policy when your house burns down. Same way you can lie to your auto insurance and tell them you don't drive to work - they don't care until it's claim time and they find out that car is regularly in the company lot.

That said, I didn't pull a permit for my tub wiring - that sheit is expen$ive.

Khyron

[Aleks]

Re: Basement Development Question

I didn't get a permit either when I did my basement this spring.......I look at it this way, I did the work myself, all of it, to code or better, because its my house! If I had some contractor doing the work, I would prefer a permit, because then his work is checked, right? He may not be as concerned with making sure things are perfect, after all he doesn't have to live in the house....I didn't worry about that. Permits are to ensure that building code is upheld, as long as you're familiar with it, don't worry about it...

[Stonewall]

Re: Basement Development Question

I would get them, they don't cost all that much and will save your ass if anything happens. Plus when you sell your house you can legally say it has a finished basement, if there is no permits you will not be able to claim so. I got the two for mine (you don't need hvac or plumbing in most cases) it was only $160 and 2 hours of my time. Now when I sell this place I won't have any hassels like the old owners did. They didn't have permits to show so they had to knock a very large chunk of $$ off the house. Also who is to say your skills are up to code? code changes all the time it is cheap insurance to make sure your home is safe.

[James]

Re: Basement Development Question

cant you just have an inspector come after the fact to ensure everythin g is up to code? Thats the route I was going to take just to make sure everything is up to snuff

[liquid]

Re: Basement Development Question

I would go with the permit. It's worth the hassle.

While on the subject, does anyone have any plumbing connections? I need to move my washer and dryer downstairs, but don't know how... and don't have the time to learn how to do it.

[Aleks]

Re: Basement Development Question

Its not worth the hassle....I know this is my second post here, but seriously.....The city makes it difficult, you often have to provide plans. You also have to have a couple of inspections, rough in and finished, and it all takes time. I see no point to a permit, and in fact, unless you are adding some major stuff, when you phone or go into the city they will tell you its not worth it (has happened to a few of my friends, one was doing some big renos post flood).....I added a wall, outlets, lights, and drywalled and it was un-necessary, considering it was a "finishing" project, not a "development"

[Stonewall]

Re: Basement Development Question

If you are just finishing you still need a developement inspection permit (based on square footage). The plans can be hand drawn for home owners, as long as they are fairly neat they don't care. Really the city makes it easy to get permits, you just need one for the framing etc, one for rough in electrical then one for final then you you are done (some will do electrical in one go). If and inspector comes after the fact ie drywall up etc he has ever right to tell you to ripe it all down (it has happened a lot). Really for the small amount do you think you can pay anyone to come to your house 3 times to make sure everything is legal?

Colin is there any connections in the basement already?If the basement is unfinished and there is access to the drain and vent pipe it should be a pretty easy job.

[Smarty39]

Re: Basement Development Question

Thanks for all the info guys....I was hoping you would make my decision easier. I guess I'll have to think about it for a while

[liquid]

Re: Basement Development Question

Colin is there any connections in the basement already?If the basement is unfinished and there is access to the drain and vent pipe it should be a pretty easy job.

I'm actually moving the washer and dryer right below where they were (just in the basement. I can see the water pipes, as well as the drainage pipes... so it shouldn't be tough to do. With that said, when it comes to plumbing, I'd rather have someone with some experience do it. I don't fully trust myself.

[djstorm]

Re: Basement Development Question

if you need a plumber call jason at 66-PLUMB (667-5862). He's not only one of my best friends but he is damn good at what he does, and can probably help you out for not a huge chunk of $$$.

[Smarty39]

Re: Basement Development Question

^^Thanks man.....plumbing is about the only connection I don't have