Got screwed by unlicensed contractor! Need permits help!
Hello everyone! This is my technically my 3rd flip but the first 2 weren't really true flips (literally called home depot and lowes to replace carpet and cabinetry.) This was a major rehab with new HVAC and new Water heater. I hired a general contractor who turned out to be unlicensed and did a decent job but was terrible at the paperwork. So I had the township come by to inspect and told me I needed permits for the HVAC and water heater. I have gotten no luck in getting a contractor to finish the job. Anyone knows of a good contractor that's willing to do this job?
Sorry to hear. Hopefully you find a contractor willing to pick up the slack. FYI, always get some kind of proposal, job scope, estimate. Make sure it’s typed, signed and dated! When I was a contractor, I never touched a property, without paperwork. People are very....”crafty “, CYA (Cover Your A$$) !
Wow thats a story unfortunately that we hear very often. But its not your fault some contractors overpromise and under deliver and things like this happen. Most honest and good contractors are not going to want to touch someone else's unfinished work because of the responsibility it may bring. But you may be lucky if you keep searching and talking to people. I have a cousin who is a licensed contractor down in Delran which is pretty close to you. If you want get in touch so i can send you his contacts.
Hey Yavuz,
That'll be great. Please and Thank You!
@Andy Li where is this project? I'm a contractor and own a construction business, but am located in North Jersey. Sounds like you mostly need a plumber and/or an HVAC contractor (depending on the township, the trade that signs for an HVAC could be a separate HVAC contractor, a plumber, an electrician, or even a general contractor) to apply for permits. You probably wouldn't need a "general" contractor, who (like me), would subcontract plumbing/electrical/HVAC work, though some towns permit HVAC work to be put on a general "building" permit.
I'm not entirely sure what plumbing and HVAC work the previous contractor did but you may (sometimes) have issues with plumbers and HVAC guys taking over or signing off on work done by previous contractors that they can't or don't want to put their name behind (or they may charge you more simply for doing this)... depends on the company/person, and on the nature of the work done. It may help if there is other/more work for them to do, beyond simply signing off on a permit.
The process is probably going to take a little time: you'll have to apply for the permit, then (likely, depending on the nature of the work you did/are doing) have a "rough" inspection (that the contractor will take), and, then, after finishing the work, have a "final" inspection (that the contractor will also take) to close out the permits. I've waited multiple weeks for permits to be approved, multiple weeks for inspections to be scheduled, etc. In a worst case scenario, you may also need to submit plans for the HVAC or plumbing work to get the permit issued... but, again, depends on what you did.
Good luck!
#2 Contractors Contributor
- Severna Park, MD
Who hired the " unlicensed contractor" ?
@Matthew Paul I did. He was family. Screw him with a cactus man.
@john
@John Errico This is in Williamstown NJ. I'm not a plumber or electrician but I believe that the work is basically done. I just need a licensed guy to sign off on it. I've called a bunch of companies in the area and no one wants to do it. I've even promised more work as well. (I also own 21 rental units with 18 in Vineland, NJ)
Hey @Andy Li hmm: I unfortunately don't know any plumbers or HVAC guys in that area of NJ. If you want to PM me I can give you some names of people in north Jersey. The logistics of them signing and sealing a permit from that distance may be a little rough, but they might know people local.
In an absolute worst case scenario you could just approach contractors and tell them the scope of the work (and that you want them to do the work for you) without telling them that it's already done. If they feel compelled to re-do the entirety of the plumber and/or HVAC work and charge you for it, then, the absolute worst case is that you have to pay market for whatever that work is. If the scope is pretty straightforward, though, I'm assuming you'll be able to find someone to just charge you some amount for the permitting process, but not the actual work, particularly if you can still see all of the work (as in, no walls closed around it, etc.).
#2 Contractors Contributor
- Severna Park, MD
@Andy Li Of course no licensed tradesman will pull a permit for another mans work . If they do they own it ,odds are you will have to pay to have it ripped out and new installed . Promising more work ? You may try asking them how much is it worth to them to help you solve your problem . Be prepared , a couple hundred isnt going to get you anywhere .
Your first 2 flips you called HD & Lowes for cabinetry & flooring. Your 3rd flip you hired a contractor and didn't find out if he was licensed or whether your scope of work required permits. I think you should perhaps partner with someone with experience going forward so you dont loose your shirt.
Good luck you're gonna have a tough time finding a plumber and HVAC guy to sign off on another unlicensed guys work. Too much risk for them. Also hate to tell you this but we get this same call at least once a week from landlords. They promise more work in exchange for permits being signed and the work almost never comes. We've found its acutally better to avoid people looking for permits to be sealed.
Do you occupy the property? Maybe you can pull the permits as a homeowner.
I have a similar situation. Except I’m not flipping houses. My AC died in the mid heatwave/pandemic. Called my cousin he works for a licensed HVAC company in PA. I’m in NNJ. Told him we needed permits. They come , they go, I get the invoice via email. No mention of permits, I then press about the permits and crickets for the last month. Definitely want permits. What do I do? I’m in a townhome so city says I can’t do homeowner filing. Haven’t paid invoice yet. The company is still online, HomeAdvisor, FB page, website etc. looking for some direction. Thanks
@Andy Li I'm little late to this post. I'm new to this website. Do you think you can provide me some names of licensed plumbers in North Jersey like you offered Andy Li? Thank you much