A Front Staircase Disaster - A Follow Up

Jay, many times clients ask something that we are not prepared to answer. We may have an opinion, but they often think the opinion is fact. We're better off going the direction you did, which is to say what we do know--that a permit is required for this type of work.

Jay:

Good to hear that the seller's listened to your advice.  So many property owners do not want to pull permits because of the cost, no matter that a stair case requires it for safety issues.  I will often email the informaton from my community as to what job requires a permit and hope they do pull permits if the work requires a permit.

This is a tough one because most repairs of porches and decks in my city are done without permits.  Very reputable contractors will give a bid and have two prices - with or with out permits.  Our permits are very expensive and cause delays and also trigger other required work.  Since most of the homes are 75 plus years old, there are a lot of code corrections that might be called out.   We always know that a permit is required 99% of the time and leave it up to the client and their contractor to determine how they proceed.  

I don't understand why a Client will not listed when they are paying for your opinion.

Most porches and decks were initially part of the permit when the house was built providing permits were issued or grand fathered in.

I agree for most people a repair with a permit might provide the contractor to do a safe repair or remodel.

Not all contractors are there to do a sham job. Most builders and contractors take pride and don't want any liabilities hence do a good job.

If a permit is pulled, a set of plans will be needed, time for the permit will be required. Not only the price of permits can be added but also time for permits and drawing plans.

Morning Jay I'm happy to see the follow up.  I prefer to call people you can get a lot more accomplished by a simple call.  Most of the people now prefer to text.  Just don't understand that logic while doing business.  

Jay, I would always get suspicious if a contractor is too busy to get a permit. There are a few I trust enough to go without a permit, but I would still require one. 

I don't know why a Buyer who hired you wouldn't take your recommendations, that doesn't make sense.

Congratulation on the feature!  You are right, often a buyer will pay you for your opinion and ask lots of questions, then for some unknown reason not listen.  Listening creates a win-win situation.  

Hi Jay, so glad they listened and took the necessary action. Happy New Year.

Jay Markanich what a way to encourage them to do it right. Ultimately it's up to them but when we do things the right way it doesn't cause issues later down the road and we don't fall for people's sales tactics.