Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

-ibgd t1_jeepi8l wrote

I recently redid the facade of my house. They fined us because the contractor didn’t get the right permits. The contractor ended up paying the bill but I guess depending where you are, they do check… and your neighbors might also report you. If you are going to have scaffolding, I think you are going to need a permit.

76

hockeystuff77 t1_jees1eg wrote

I had a small project that blew up in scope that we eventually completed without permits. Because of the stress alone, I would not recommend it.

13

No_Rope4561 t1_jeeu56l wrote

Replying to -ibgd (#2,529,867)

I agree with this person. I did a kitchen renovation inside a courtyard that was gated. Nobody could come in and just look so neighbor must’ve reported me. I knew who it was. Fuck you Maureen.

106

Chunkyblamm t1_jeeymzd wrote

Replying to gut46 (#2,529,911)

The fines will increase if you get a stop work order and if the contractor works through it and is caught they could get their license revoked. What sort of facade are you putting up?

7

JeffHall28 t1_jef828e wrote

When you say there are "no changes" involved in "redoing" your façade, what exactly do you mean? Way too many variables here to say blanketly whether you should even be doing the work yourself.

32

lawgirl3278 t1_jefa24i wrote

Read your homeowner’s policy. If someone is injured or something is damaged during construction and the work is “illegally” done, your insurer may disclaim coverage.

22

crispydukes t1_jefajfm wrote

Some facades are actually bearing walls. The houses on my block have the floor span between party walls but the roof span front-to-back. You need an architect and maybe an engineer involved.

Chances are, a skilled contractor can do it themselves, but the liability involved is too high.

13

Capkirk0923 t1_jefd0pu wrote

I worked at the streets dept for a while, and it shouldn’t be a big deal to get your approval and do it the right way. Just go down there to the MSB. There won’t be a big line or anything.

7

charizardFT26 t1_jefpnhr wrote

It’s not worth the stress imo. Getting the kitchen redone now and I’m relieved seeing the permits in the window - no nosy neighbors can say anything

7

-ibgd t1_jefr1q5 wrote

Replying to Loud-Policy (#2,541,664)

Nearly $40k. But I had tons of issues. I was going to remove just the stucco and replace the windows and add brick veneer. But once we got to the first brick layer, everything was crumbling. The new windows would have no support. The second brick layer was worse. So we literally removed the whole front of the house, reframed it and added a brand new layer of bricks. The original ballpark was $20k. That’s not including the cost of the windows.

10

Master_Winchester t1_jefrw96 wrote

Regulations are written in blood.

When you don't get a permit you own ALL the risk of the work. Redoing the facade requires a permit because most brick is structural. You can't simply re-lay brick and expect it to perform. You need to meet modern building code. (Same goes for stucco, siding, etc). If you fail to follow code you could have water and mold, poor workmanship with no recourse, or be fined heavily by the City.

If your home causes damage to anyone and you don't have a permit, you will be screwed if not dead because it killed you.

12

gut46 OP t1_jeg0i2k wrote

Replying to JeffHall28 (#2,536,174)

>n "redoing" your façade, what exactly do you mean? Way too many variables here to say blanketly whether you should even be doing the work yourself.

it's the removal of stucco and adding a brick veneer. The plans don't look any different

−6

USSBigBooty t1_jeg1dtz wrote

Replying to No_Rope4561 (#2,531,438)

LNI actually employs a number of angry crows. The key is to leave out berries, bread, a small tank of fish, and expensive red wines.

Maureen may have reported you (fuck you Maureen), but rest assured, the crows investigated and confirmed the report.

19

gut46 OP t1_jegrmt6 wrote

Replying to roxemsoxem (#2,550,797)

I applied for one and it was Denied.”Your work description exceeds the work permitted under the EZ Masonry Façade permit. Please withdraw this permit and apply for the Residential Building permit and change the review type to Standard Review and submit plans for the work proposed. For more information or FAQs visit www.phila.gov/li or call 311 for assistance. “

2

archguy20 t1_jegvcva wrote

Replying to gut46 (#2,554,713)

http://www.tonerarch.com/

Call this architect, I highly recommend them for a project like this. The city is looking for a drawing (however simple) of the work that is being performed. The architect will make that drawing and submit the correct permit app to the city on your behalf, as well as connect you a qualified contractor that has experience performing this work.

It will be worth it knowing that the work is properly documented and permitted. Having the architect's stamped drawings and approved permit gives you protection is issues arise during or after the project is complete.

As others have mentioned, if a contractor performs this work w/o permit and something happens his or your insurance may not protect you.

4

archguy20 t1_jegy4c4 wrote

Replying to gut46 (#2,557,200)

How much is the whole job going to cost? 10k, 30k? If you don’t have a permit, you are completely unprotected from any liability. If someone falls off a scaffold and dies you are getting sued. If your facade fails within 6 months of work being completed and you have water infiltration you are going to have a harder time recovering money. IMO you can’t afford to not do it the correct way. A call and estimate from an architect is free. Just see how much they want and what they recommend. They are going to adjust their fee accordingly, you will not be spanked for a job this small.

5

archguy20 t1_jeh22v4 wrote

Replying to gut46 (#2,544,996)

Adding a brick veneer is a structural change because that brick needs to be anchored back to your structural wall. L+I needs to see the proposed attachment detail to approve a permit.

15