A cousin who lives down near Charlotte, NC asked me if he should follow the advice of a potential contractor for a small addition. He suggested that the HO pull the permit “to save money”. I told him that he was basically asuming most of the risk and probably not the best idea. The project is estimated at between 30 to 40K.
Any other thoughts?
Replies
I worked in Nc for 10 yrs. I don't see how a HO permit saves any money, just that it is less hassel for the builder..dunno about that logic.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
Sounds to me as though the contractor is attempting to put your cousin in the role of general contractor.
Whoever pulls the permit is the one resposible for all insurance.
The money saved on the fees associated with filing a job would be minimal......its all the other expenses that fall into the lap of he/she whos` name is listed on that permit where it becomes costly.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
Tell your cousin to hire a "legitimate" contractor. What is this guy going to do, hide when the building inspector comes around? What does he have to hide?
there are many reasons why a contractor would ask for such a scenario, none of them look favorable towards the contractor and a few of them leave the HO vulnerable and unprotected from litigation or warrantee issues.
Your cousin would be responsible if the contractors employees or a subcontractor it they got hurt on the job. Even the contractor could sue him.
Tell your cousin to get all the neccessary insurance documents (comp, public liability), a written legal contract and have the builder pull the permits.
Those things will save your cousin money!
I don't think that it makes any difference who pulls the permits. We have done it both ways. Sometimes the owner has to be the one to get a zoning permit unless the owner gives the contractor a notarized authorization to represent them. In any event someone has to assemble all the documentation, fill out the required forms and deliver them to the city/town office. This all costs money and is often a chore for a busy builder and within the capabilities of an owner seeking to save money.
Risks abound in any construction project. In order to protect yourself, verify the contractor's liability and worker's comp insurance. This will eliminate most fly by night outfits. Your best insurance against risks is finding someone that you can trust. Easier said than done.
Thanks to all. Pretty much what I told him. Had to try to help him, he just moved down from Maryland last year and still talks funny. Afraid he would get taken advantage of down in the real South :-). His 83 yr old Mom is moving in with him and he is adding on, DW and I are just finishing up her place in Asheville getting it ready to sell.