Before embarking on any construction project, homeowners in unincorporated Fayette County should be aware of the potential dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors.
The Fayette County Building Safety Department has issued a warning regarding the risks associated with engaging unlicensed individuals to perform construction work, emphasizing the importance of obtaining the necessary permits and complying with building codes and regulations for work done on home outside city limits.
One of the primary concerns highlighted by the Building Safety Department is the potential financial penalties for failing to obtain permits.
Homeowners need to understand that these penalties can be substantial, and retroactively obtaining permits could result in doubling the costs. This emphasizes the significance of thorough planning and responsibility in construction projects.
While minor, aesthetic alterations such as replacing doors and windows, applying wallpaper, and changing carpets or fixtures may not require a permit. But note that structural or electrical modifications, such as in-ground pools, patio covers, garage conversions, water heaters, and HVAC replacements, necessitate mandatory building permits.
The department wants to raise awareness about the possibility of homeowners being misinformed about permit requirements, especially when they opt to conduct the work themselves or engage unlicensed contractors.
Individuals lacking licensure undertaking the work may disseminate inaccurate information or attempt to circumvent compliance with safety regulations and adherence to prescribed codes.
A pertinent scenario for homeowners’ comprehension revolves around completing work without requisite permits. For instance, imagine an unfinished basement that a homeowner finishes without obtaining the required permit and completing the inspection.
Should an electrical fire occur in the finished basement area, the insurance company, during its investigation into the fire’s cause, will determine whether the basement work was legitimately permitted.
In most cases, lack of proper permitting constitutes substantial evidence for the insurance company to decline compensation for property losses.
Leslie Nieber, the Building Official for the Fayette County Department of Building Safety, has stressed the importance of understanding permit requirements. She advises homeowners to research the specific permit requisites for their projects before starting work.
Homeowners are encouraged to seek clarification from their local building department if there’s any uncertainty. The department is committed to providing guidance and support, ensuring homeowners feel reassured and supported.
Nieber shares valuable advice, emphasizing that seeking clarity on permit requirements is always preferable to proceeding with uncertainty. The Building Safety Department is unwavering in its commitment to assisting homeowners, aiming to ensure project safety and compliance with mandated standards. It is readily available to address any queries or concerns related to permitting, making homeowners feel valued and important.
Additionally, the recent increase in permits for metal garages and sheds has posed challenges for homeowners. Before finalizing the installation of a metal building or any other structure, verifying the pertinent permitting requirements is imperative.
Nieber places great emphasis on refraining from disbursing down payments or half of the building costs until it is determined what is needed for building construction plans, which should include a foundation plan.
Vendors often come back, communicating to homeowners that the request by Fayette County will come with an additional cost, which is problematic for Nieber.
The Fayette County Building Safety Department’s warning against unlicensed contractors and the risks associated with undertaking construction work without proper permits serves as a critical reminder for homeowners to prioritize due diligence and compliance.
The department urges Fayette County homeowners to adhere to building permit requirements and to be cautious when engaging contractors for construction projects, ensuring that their chosen contractors are licensed and compliant with safety regulations.
By doing so, homeowners can protect themselves from potential financial liabilities and ensure the safety and integrity of their construction projects. If you need anything or have any questions, contact the Department of Building Safety at 770-305-5403.
Be very careful of what you’re told over the phone when calling to ask about what requires permitting or not. Document every call and whom you spoke with. They often communicate inconsistently depending on who answers the phone. Set up an online Sages account which also documents the process (s). Also, be ready to be referred to other departments….or should I say ‘get the runaround’. It cost us thousands of dollars for permitting, structural & electrical engineer inspections/certificates for three c.o.’s on one parcel and 13 weeks of delays – not to mention having to go before the board for five unnecessary variances which were all unanimously approved. Be sure to be sitting down when opening your next property tax bill once you’ve completed the permitted work. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get another in-person ‘visit’ to uncover safety concerns after this is published!
Possibly it might be in the public interest to know exactly what items require a permit. Is it everything that you do to your property or just certain items. Also are we talking about real professionals or people holding a Fayette county business license, there is a big difference.