What To Do???

Bone Saw

I am at a crossroads of sorts, I am directing this question torwards gc's, remodelers, builders, NOT subs, to keep the feedback on track.

What would you do when you have:

a big project $$$,

pending permit,

customer on vacation blowing up your phone with "did you get the permit yet",

and township hall burnt down???

At this point I don't know if my applicaiton package has been reviewed, or in a pile of ashes. I can't even call the twp cause they have no phones??? And I don't know what to expect applying again as if that was even an option??? I am booked months out, and by virtue of this fire, this customer has just been bumped to the end of the line. I don't want to walk/lose this job, but waiting this out isn't an option and I don't want this fire delay to become a liability for me. The only way I can secure this job for later @ todays price would be purchace/stockpile the materials at his house for months which is something I would not even consider doing. And for the first time, I'm even contemplating just saying to hell with the permit. I'm sure With all the internal twp problems they'd never know I was there???

skymaster

Bone; I think if I were in your shoes I would get copies of newpaper article or what ever shows that there was really a fire and SAVE EM. I would call the customer and tell them exactly what has happened. Tell them as soon as you can get everything straightened out with permitting you will put them right back into your schedule and give them as much priority as possible. Other than that I think you might just shoot yourself by trying to string it out.
Just my humble opinion.
JackM

kevjob

i think you answered your own question

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Kevin
Basement Finishing Highlands Ranch Colorado
Littleton Colorado, Basement Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling Denver

mickeyco

The world doesn't stop just because the township hall burnt down, if they don't have their documents backed-up that's their problem. You are entitled to a permit in a timely fashion, regardless of the towns problems, maybe with a small delay. I would try to get the permit and work with the town but it wouldn't stop me from doing the job.

I would never advise someone to do work without a permit (I have in certain situations), but if you do I'd recommend using a video camera to document footing depth, ledger attachment, flashing and anything else that can't be seen.

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Michaeljp86

The building burnt down but not the people who are incharge of the permit. I would try to find their home phone and give them a call until you get whoever you need to. They all know each other so if you can get ahold of one person who works there they should be able to get you in contact with the inspectors and whoever else. Im sure they would let you go without a permit as long as they know about it and give you a permit as soon as they can.

Tom R

I agree with Mick here, - - I would just go ahead and do the job, documenting everything as I went along . . .

dirt diggler

so have you ever pulled a building permit ... outside of Mayberry??

Bone Saw

tom this is practically in your back yard, moorestown, if you are ever pulling a permit over there, give CONNIE an extra special F**K YOU for me

Grumpyplumber

I have the perfect idea...oh wait...I can't reply:

Grumpyplumber

If you'll excuse the fact that I'm not "included" in your request for replies...it's seems almost obvious that you should call the building / code enforcement dept at the STATE level.
That would be the FIRST call I made...if the town is out of commission that would be the most obvious governing authority in lieu of circumstance.
Please, pardon my interuption.

Michaeljp86

The towns I work in I guess your sortof right, I think the population of the town I live is in the 600s. I could see that being about impossible in a large city.

The building permit I just got took over a month, these people screw around so much in eauclair. Everyone said something different, first she said the building inspector will have to come out, so he finaly gets around to it. Then he says oh the garage is out of complience and youll have to go throught the board, have a vote on it etc, a bunch of BS basicly. So then the woman in the office says theres nothing wrong there what you want to do fits within their guidlines so the permit came in the mail. The building inspector was mainly the one who didnt know what he was doing.

Stone Mountain

Bone, if your modus operandi is to always get permits, then get them. You'll never be comfortable otherwise. The municipality will not be out of operation for very long. They can't.
A government cannot simply suspend operations indefinitely because the building burned down,. I'm sure that within a week or so they will have a temporary office set up and will be back in full swing. Then you can apply.
As far as losing their place in line, well, that's the breaks. They'll just have to wait. Knowing you and the quality of your work, if they cancel it's their loss. I have no doubt you'll get a "replacement" customer.

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RYANINMICHIGAN

Given the fact that the two townships and 1 city office are with in 8 miles of each other here, I would start at the next township see if they know anything. The world doesn’t stop turning because some one torched the hall. The deck codes for those 3 entities are the same so maybe I could have one of their inspectors certify my work. There are only 2 inspections here hole depth and finish. I guess if I did not get anywhere with that route I would approach the state. If that did not work I would advise the customer of the situation and that I can do the work with out a permit and remain on schedule but there could be some ramifications out of my control if they decide to be pricks. Given your portfolio and I assume you have done other work in that township the inspector should understand

Tom M

I agree with calling the next township. Usually when one is out of commission the neighboring town assists. Call up and dont tell them who you are--- just to see whats going on. If they are at a loss document along the way and do it. This is special circumstance here and you did apply to begin with. After It the permit can be amended if you get hassled. Play stupid. If you dont do the job you dont get paid and neither does the building dept.

mickeyco

Wear really dark sun glasses and a hat if you do it without a permit.

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Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

Gordo

Don't forget to put some mojo on, too.

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Looks like some pros were here.