more permit stuff

[4antares]

While I don't like it, I can live with getting a building permit. Sad to think that it is necessary more for future unplanned sales and to avoid hassles with the county than for any other reason, not because it will make for a better structure. What I do have a problem with is being required to hire licensed contractors to do work I am quite capable of doing (and have done) myself, specifically plumbing and electrical. Neither is difficult or rocket science and I really do like to do those things right as I have an aversion to electrical fires, electrocution and bad plumbing. I don't mind having my work inspected (I've passed every inspection I've ever needed) but, outside of corruption, protection of monopoly, and incompetent inspectors, can find no justification for the current requirements.
My questions are
1) Is it feasible to get a building permit for the structure, then do the electrical and plumbing myself with photographic documentation of everything that will be covered and worry about permits later in the unlikely event I ever need to sell?
2) Are there electricians/plumbers who will, for a fee of course, pull permits, let me do the work, make sure it is up to code and then sign off on it? This seems like it would be considerably cheaper than $500 rough in per fixture and they would at least make some money whereas if I go unpermitted, they get nothing.
The house is small and simple with one bathroom and will be totally off grid so HELCO isn't a factor.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
As a side note, with the Supreme Court currently considering the constitutionality of the government being able to mandate that citizens engage in commerce, it seems that this decision could well impact the legality of the current system and quite possibly blow their little monopoly to bits.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Tom


life is short. enjoy it

[kjlpahoa]

I have to agree with 4antares that it is not right to require electrical and plumbing to be done by a licensed contractor but that is STATE law. (Union protectionism) In todays arena, it is best to take out permits for all work even thought it is a pain and very time consuming. What is comming down the road is a crack down on unpermitted work and Real Estate Co's that will require all work permitted before a sale.

I have always used the #2 option. There are a lot of licensed contractors who litterly sell their license and let you do the work under their permit. The last time I did this, it was about a $500 charge for the contractor to let you use his license and do the work. He takes full responsibility for the work and the final. If Building Div. ever fineds out that you did the work, they may not final the job.

Just call different contractors and fined one that will go this route, many will.