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Not getting a permit in a construction or upgrade to a property leads to possible problems that are common among these projects such as the risks of leaks, electrical malfunctions, fires and even items that do not fit at times. Assessing these risks is an important step in understanding why permits are important and what may happen without one.
Without the proper permit, there are multiple issues that the property may experience through malfunctions and issues that appear through inferior work or a lack of understanding about certain items. It is possible to replace the electrical grid only to face a blackout in the house. These same situations could lead to a house fire. Then, it is an insurance issue if the carrier accepts the circumstances with work that completed without a permit. If a building inspector from the city visits, the homeowner could experience additional penalties such as fines. It is important to consult with a lawyer before attempting any major renovations.
Not to Code
If bathroom equipment needs replacement, the homeowner may decide to accomplish this alone or with a cheap contractor. If the contractor does not seek to acquire a permit for the work, the owner may later experience problems that the contractor caused either through cutting corners or a lack of knowledge in how to replace or fix certain items. Other issues such as checking smoke detectors and ventilation could lead to an overabundance of smoke filling the house and suffocating the owner. Many contractors will perform work without acquiring a proper permit when the owner does not contract the work through a larger or more experienced agency.
Electrical Malfunctions
If the owner of the property does not acquire a permit either during the project or through a contractor, it is possible that he or she will experience electrical malfunctions. This occurs through wires and studs exposed, the wires not put together properly or missing connections. If the previous homeowner did not properly adjust or fix the wiring, the new owner is responsible for the matter. The contractor hired for this purpose will need to obtain a permit to prevent liability attaching to the owner as is possible in most states. However, without the permit, the homeowner may pay for the problem through fines or additional expense in maintenance and replacement.
Window Issues
Some windows may not meet the code of the city. If the contractor does not have a permit and is not aware of what the city requires, he or she may not fit the windows to the code. This could lead to windows too large placed in the walls where the local authorities require them smaller for an egress when a fire or similar concern occur. Most plans with this in mind require the contractor or person fitting the windows to know about the city code and acquire a permit to ensure that the egress windows provide a valid outlet. Others must have a certain type of stone or ladder access.
Unstable Walls
In construction, renovations or adding buildings to a property, it is possible that the contractor or worker will not understand how to create a stable wall. The drywall involved in the location may also crack. Lacking the necessary support beams and other materials, the walls could collapse. This could happen if the contactor or worker does not build to code. Any oversight or lack of assessment of the area could cause a problem. Complications could lead to injury or extensive property damage.
City Fines and Demolition
The most significant problem of not acquiring the permit is a city inspector. No matter who contacts him or her, the inspector may shut down the entire operation. This could lead to extensive fines incurred by construction, building or renovations without the proper permit. Other situations could lead to the demolition of the project. This happens if the construction is in violation of city zoning ordinances. Generally, the inspector will stop all work until the owner does pull the appropriate permit from an approved plan by city authorities. If the work is not to code, the inspector may require the person to tear it down and start over.
Legal Help with the Common Problems
Without the permit, the person may face serious consequences. A lawyer may halt the problem until the owner is able to acquire the necessary permit. However, if the owner did follow the correct steps, the legal professional may need to explain this to the local authorities.
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