so what did you DO for the first 80 days?

[kalakoa]

But you don't know that for a fact do you? Just making an assumption.

I managed to wade through the article and my assumptions appear well-founded. Most obvious:

Page 2: Sketch shows 16x16 building. Does not meet minimum 832 square feet unless it's two stories and the lanai is included. Required shear walls not shown in construction photos.

Page 8: "I have power! Well sort of. I got the wiring all ran and working correctly." Not allowed by County unless you happen to be licensed.

Looks like they did all their own plumbing, too, including a cesspool that was apparently dug by "some guy with a bobcat". (How does a bobcat reach the required 14-foot depth?)

No mention of "inspectors" or "licensed professionals" anywhere.

Mixed feelings: the house is beautiful, but it gives the impression that you can just fly out here with some money and be living in your nice jungalow within 90 days, because building it yourself is a simple hassle-free process, just need a truck for those trips to Home Depot.

If I had known the building/planning codes were not enforced, I would have bought a bigger lot instead of spending two years waiting for the electrician... the plumber... the inspector...

[MarkP]

Must admit I am living proof that you can get away without permits (so far, knock on wood).

[fishenjim]

Kalakoa, just a question, does county really care who does electric or plumbing work,or is it they care that they have a piece of paper sighned by certified plumber/electrician and if the work passes inspection?

[kalakoa]

does county really care who does electric or plumbing work

Technically "work must be performed by a licensed contractor", but nobody watches the actual work being performed, all you need is someone willing to risk their license by attesting to the fitness and suitability of work they did not themselves perform, which may require tearing the walls open...

Obviously this only applies to a "permitted" project. I believe (but am not certain) that the "as-built" process would require a licensed electrician/plumber to certify the existing wiring/plumbing to be in compliance with current codes.

[fishenjim]

Kalakoa ,just wondering cause my dad does industrial electical work, not residentially licenced. He and I rewired (new panel box, outlets, fans and lights even entry cable} my 1860 mex war st. house in pittsburgh. During the final inspection the inspector asked who did the wireing and I told him(not being prone to lying) and he said (maybe he can come and show these idiots around here how you wire a house) The inspector didnt care he wasnt (licenced) only how well the work was done. Here you can do the work yourself if you can pass inpection. You can be your own general contractor if you like. Personally I never found a licence to verify you were getting a skilled tradesman.

[kalakoa]

Here you can do the work yourself if you can pass inpection.

Here it's more important that you hire the right people and pay them well, so that the inspector can just rubber-stamp the paperwork for his buddies.

[fishenjim]

Kalakoa, guess thats part of the reason there are so many unpermitted structures in Puna and could have something to do with the county not caring to enforce the codes so much. I do get it though, north carolina was much the same way the (the good old boys network)

[ericlp]

I dunno, if she did do her own plumbing, there wasn't a speck of primer or glue on her manicured fingers. Just doesn't add up. You would think there would be some video of her with a "TOOL" in her hand.... But whatever. The point is, she somehow got it all done in 90 days... That's amazing and a feat for anyone around here. Just trying to get tractors to show up after paying 10K was a bit much for me!

[Derrick Barnicoat]

Wow!!you're hating on her because she is an attractive woman who barely finished building a nice cabin for her friends and family to use? Good for her! Yeah she probably got some help big deal.

[kalakoa]

hating on her because she ... barely finished building a nice cabin

No, it's the part where she posted a how-to guide on the internets, when the subject area already has problems with growth management and unpermitted shacks.

Like I said, the house is beautiful.