Should I Report "my Boss?"

D&H

I've been working primarily for one contactor that specializes in basement finishing for about a year. Work has been extremely slow and he took on a small commercial office remodel. Now I know there is a big difference in code between residential and commercial, especially when it comes to electrical, but he doesn't seem to care. Yep, no permit. He's has stated that he has never worked a commercial job before.

I've tried to tell him that there are a lot more codes for commercial work, but he's just using the "common sense" code, which of course, isn't the proper code to follow. I've got a strong feeling that we will be shut down on this job sooner or later.

Here's what we are doing that I question:

4) He's building the doors to the offices with 30" residential hollow core doors.

3) Hanging 1/2" drywall

1) Using plastic electrical boxes inside the walls

2) Using 12/2 inside the walls, but exposed where it comes out of the tops of the walls where it ties into metal boxes with bx wiring. (suspended ceiling)

5) No changes are being made to existing emergency lighting. You will be "in the dark" in the event of a power failure in parts of this remodel.

He won't even take the time to find out what codes are for this job. He's been so full of himself lately which is why he probably can't sell a job right now.

I've been expecting an inspector to show up every minute we've been on this job so far and shut us down.

We are working in a small town on Main Street. Right in the heart of downtown across from their busiest restaurant. The first two days he parked his "highly visible" truck right outside the front door on Main St. I don't think he's even trying to "hide" on this job.

Now I work hourly for him, but have begun making a transition to a licensed contractor so I am on my way out anyway.

If we get shut down, and it requires basically a tear out and start over, I will quit working with him. It's bad enough to put up with his negative attitude already, just can't imagine how bad it would be if he gets caught.

Is it possible to report him anonomously? Maybe someone here could make the call? How? Well I've given enough clues. If you look at the list of the code violations I think we are breaking, they are not out of order, they conveniently spell out the zip code. If someone does "make the call" please leave me out of it. Don't give the code office any clues that his worker is raising the red flag!

D&H

Just to add to the story. First day on the job we are tearing down the old suspended ceiling. A guy walks in and says he is the one that sold the building to the new owner. During the conversation, he asked if there were drawings because he is supposed to sign off on them. Well, there isn't anything more than a sketch on a piece of grid paper. My boss inquires about him siging on drawings when he has already sold the builidng, and he states that he is financing the building to the new owner on a land contract! I expected code enforcement to show up 10 minutes after he left, but haven't seen anyone yet.

K2

Sounds like you need a new job. Let your boss cook his own goose.

Hollow doors and 1/2 in rock are allowed in commercial work in areas where fire seperation is not required. It's probably not very common however.

mdshunk

That's usually legal. Most all of them have a fire rating. Look molded inside the box.

That's 100% legal too, and normal, when the Romex is installed inside fire rated assemblies. Some guys don't bother, but I usually do to save on costs.

Thats not cool.

Tom R

I agree with Rob here, - - don't let your 'unhappiness' be his downfall.

Just move on.

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D&H

I won't turn him in. Eventually it'll catch up with him. Today the owner of the building came in with a gentlemen and said "The electrical inspector is here!" The guy I work for stopped dead in his tracks and just froze. Fortunately for him, the gentlemen was her brother and not an inspector. Was funny though! I got a silent laugh out of it.

Peladu

So I got the zip code that you posted cryptically up there and called into City Hall, told them that the job on Main Street across from the restaurant is being constructed without permits and the guy doing the work has a record of fighting with the police. When they asked who I was I said, "I am not going to give you my name, but I work for him." They said that it was too late and they would be there after the weekend..........I didn't call.

Brickie

The Village of Groveport Building Department issues permits and performs inspections for all phases of commercial and residential construction.

Permits and inspections for can be obtained and scheduled by calling (614) 836-5301 24 hours a day.
Office hours are 8:00am- 5:00 pm weekdays.

The Building Department also provides Commercial building permit services by contract to Madison Township and Lithopolis.

A certificate of zoning compliance is required for the Madison Township and Lithopolis prior to submitting building plans to the Village of Groveport for approval.

If you have any questions on how to fill out these forms please call the Building Department and we will assist you.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions> FAQ

http://www.groveport.org/sections/de...t/building.asp

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Glasshousebltr

Nothing like a hack off.

Bob

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Bob

joasis

As stated above, let this guy you work for sleep in the bed he is making...but do not tuck him in...your self respect is more important, but...I would go with another contractor post haste and avoid the fall when it comes, since guilt by association may stick with you and just starting out, you don't need that hassle.

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go dart

peladu your kidding right?

Peladu

Yes, I was....I am no rat.

go dart

good boy

dougchips

Are rats sneaky animals?

D&H

I knew Peladu was kidding. Or at least I did when I got to the end of his post.

I thought about reporting him, but like many of you, eventually he'll get caught and pay the price then.

I have already begun working for another contractor. I have finished a few small jobs and he's pleased with my work and my professionalism. So now it's on to bigger and better things.

builtright

if you were my employee,
putting money in your pocket, think why would you report him or have us do your dirty work please quit or stat quiet