When our clients hire us for a plumbing project they often ask if they should get the permits for the job or should we. Our answer is that we will take care of acquiring any permits that might be needed for the job, especially if the job is more than cosmetic.
The reason for this is that our professionals are always up to date with the latest plumbing codes that govern your area. You could look all up and obtain all of the permits you’ll need yourself, but why do so when you already have a contractor who is willing and able to complete your project?
A very good reason for us to get the permits instead of the customer is because if something goes a bit sideways and the job isn’t up to code, we will be liable and not you. Admittedly, is a rare thing for our plumbers to be uninformed about the latest plumbing codes.
We find that a lot of DIYers start a big plumbing job that’s found to be out of code when it is inspected. They have to tear all their work out and start all over, and the expense and aggravation is all theirs. A lot of the time it’s because a layperson doesn’t understand the plumbing terminology, uses the wrong materials for the pipes and fittings and simply doesn’t put things together the way they should be put together. They end up calling us anyway after spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
The first inspection begins after our professionals have roughed out the plumbing. The rest of the work can’t be done unless this first phase is inspected and found to be up to code. This is another problem for DIYers who get their own permits. They figure they can do the whole job then have it inspected. Invariably, the inspector finds something wrong. Inspectors cost money, and every time they have to come back to check the plumbing that’s more money.
Permits also cost money. With our customers, the cost of the permits and inspections is factored in with the other costs that are drawn up in our written contract. We at O.C. McDonald don’t expect the inspectors to have to come back more times than they should.
So, are you ready to get started with your plumbing project? If you are, give us a call at O.C. McDonald. Our operator is on call 24/7 and our number here is 408-295-2182