Many homeowners have decided to take out home equity lines of credit to finance remodeling in their homes. There are many benefits to remodeling and upgrading homes and I encourage it! But recently I found myself in the home of a family frantically trying to get a basement turned into a mother-in-law suite with a limited budget. They called many contractors who would each glady come out and dig holes or do anything the homeowner would ask of them for less than most other contractors. Many people go that route and have no issues. However, when the contractor asks the home-owner to obtain the permit - it's a red flag moment.
In Virginia, all contractors have to be licensed, bonded and insured. Most companies will get permits for the work they perform for a nominal fee. If a contractor asks the owner to get the permit, usually it's because the contractor cannot obtain one, which means they are not licensed and probably aren't bonded and insured either. When the owner gets the permit, the owner becomes the "employer" and is responsible for all damages, personal injury and building issues which are not up to code. If the contractor drills a hole in his hand, the homeowner is liable. If the building falls down, the homeowner is liable, not the contractor.
But many times, homeowners are very trusting, or simply want to save money. That's great. But if a project is done on a home and violates state building codes, the homeowner will be left with reconciling those deficiencies or violations when it comes to selling their home. My advice is to do it right - even if it costs a bit more up front.
What do you think? Agree, disagree or have additonal comments?
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