Forum
Need a Permit for Sandy Reconstruction?
9:21 AM 02/05/2013
I am posting this for a friend who doesn't have Brownstoner access. Her basement was destroyed due to flooding by Hurricane Sandy. There's approximately $45k of damage. She is getting FEMA help thru grants and their low-interest loans. She is simply having the basement repaired back to pre-storm conditions ... no new additions or changes.
Her contractor has told her no permits are required since it would require plans by an architect which will add thousands of dollars to the cost. Is that accurate? It doesn't sound right.
-
vote
The contractor is correct. Everyone in Red Hook has had this same situation. This has generally meant removing wet drywall and insulation, finish floor and in some cases subfloors, all doors, casings, molding, gutting of bathrooms down to the studs, replacing all outlets and any electrical switches that were under water and in some cases wiring. With the exception of the electrical work, all of the above can be done legally with no permits. This assumes no change to anything - i.e. no moving walls, doors, windows, plumbing fixtures etc. And no one from the DOB is going to bother a flood victim having the damage fixed.
9:31 AM 02/05/2013 | 2 Votes
- + comment
- permalink
-
-
vote
Comments (1)
-
N Y C, NY
A licensed electrician would put in a repair slip with DOB. It is not technically a permit and it is all that is required as long as you aren't adding any circuits.
10:17 AM 02/06/2013
-
-
vote
Red Hook, NY
No Permits needed. The city wants Sandy homes fixed as soon as possible, and changing faulty wires, switches and outlets is part of that process. The DOB would be inundated if every house needed to go thru the permit process. However, I would recommend having the electrical work done by a licensed electrician.
I am in the same boat (no pun intended)- I didn't add anything new, just replaced and used a licensed electrician. Be careful though! There is definitely some price gouging going around- especially with the electricians! If your friend needs one, I can recommend a very honest and very reasonable one.11:56 AM 02/05/2013 | 1 Votes
-
vote
Thx. That makes sense. She is using a reputable contractor that was recommended by FEMA as well as the city's Rapid repair people; so she feels ok with him. I guess it was just the going back n forth with the conflicting info re: permits. I will pass this info along to her. I'm sure she will be grateful.
1:36 PM 02/05/2013 | 0 Votes
-
vote
Brooklyn, NY
Comments (1)
-
Why don't you cite the relevant building code showing that a permit is needed for basic repairs like: replacing damaged drywall, replacing a finish floor, replacing tile, moldings and door casings, and painting. Otherwise, you are really doing people a big disservice. Clearly you need work, and we can all respect that, but don't prey on flood victims!
9:38 AM 02/06/2013
-
-
vote
Brooklyn, NY
I m not writing about painting and drywall installation. Im writing regarding work like plumbing, electrical, sprinkler, boilers and so on. Building code is a local law. And last time i opened it, i could not find paragraph stating that hurracain Sandy cancelled this law.
11:06 AM 02/06/2013 | -1 Votes
Answer
