My mom and I are having a pole barn built..we were told that we did in fact need a permit. Now, the builder (owns a construction company, obviously) has told my mom that SHE needs to purchase the permit because it will be cheaper for her to purchase it, versus him purchasing it. Apparently, construction companies are charged more for permits. Is this true, and if not, why do you think he would say that?
2007-01-05 11:16:08 · 5 answers · asked by BlueEyedAngel 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
OK as a contractor I'm going to tell you this is a major RED FLAG warning. If he is building the facility for you then HE needs to pull the permit. If you are building the permit yourself then you would need to pull the permit.
I would check out his company immediately with the state licensing board. This could be serious liability for you if he or any of his workers is injured on the job.
FYI: sometimes homeowner's permits are cheaper (check local municipality) than licensed contractor permits, but not by much.
2007-01-05 11:25:31 · answer #1 · answered by tropicalturbodave 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In addition to Intells answer.
What Intell says is standard fair for contractors and builders and good ones will have this info ready for you or easily prepared. Some will even provide this as standard attachments to a contract without being asked (in the end this saves them time and gives clients immediate peace of mind - which is a good start to a project)
Sounds like he is operating without a license and is concerned he will get nailed. He will also not be able to pull a permit if he is not licensed.
I would put a halt on any further work or payments until he can provide proof of license, insurance (in good standing and enough coverage for the full value of your property/house etc and liability).
In western Canada we have a organization called WCB - Workmens Compensation Board which all employers must pay into and this fund covers employee wages and rehab should they be injured.
It also oversees companies safety operations and site safety to insure all companies provide a safe workplace for employees. By law you must be covered and pay premiums on each and every employee.
I would think that there are similar organizations in the states. Either way, If your contractor is not insured or covered in some way, I am positive that you become liable should an employee get injured on your property - even if working for the contractor.
Laws will vary on this, but it is worth being clear on and making sure YOU are not liable.
There is a reason good contractors charge what they do. It is expensive to operate a contracting construction company with all the coverage, tools, permits, safety equip etc etc
But in the end, the extra cost brings peace of mind and usually a good job.
2007-01-05 12:28:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My advise,
1-Ask your local building department to confirm he is licensed.
2-If they check and say yes then ask him to provide you with current proof of insurance.
3- Ask him to provide you with insurance certificates for anyone he may hire to work for him on your property.
4- Ask him to provide lien releases for each subcontractor and supplier he uses in the performance of his work and make sure these are the same " insured " he's provided " certs" for per your request.
Technically, the permit that he may acquire for you as your agent or your contractor would be for you on your behalf. It is therefore not his permit but your permit as he does not own your property.
It may be common in your area for builders to beg off....but if you proceed with getting your own permit you MUST confirm he is licensed and insured as this is the most common way that un insured builders get past the law.
By the way , why wouldn't the building department be the best agency to ask your question ? Won't they tell you honestly weather or not builders are charged more ? In my opinion , I smell the same rat you smell .....right through the Internet !
2007-01-05 11:31:16 · answer #3 · answered by Papillion 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd Say yes you will because they are gonna want you to pay more property taxes on a structure that size. Like the guy before said contact your local building inspector.
2016-03-14 02:06:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a bunch of crap to me.A building permit in my area cost the same whomever buys it.If the contractor has some skeletons in the closet,or they are of bad business practices,the zoning commission may not let him apply for them.I would check the BBB and your local zoning agent for details
2007-01-05 11:24:52 · answer #5 · answered by mr. mr. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋