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Greetings,
We have been enjoying Punaweb for sometime now, and as the permanent move to our beautiful home in Leilani approaches, it is time to shift from active lurking to active participation.
I have done quite a few remodeling projects as an owner/builder here in Northern California over the years and the process has always been pretty simple as far as permits, inspections, etc are concerned. What work I did not do myself could be farmed out to whoever I chose and as long as the work passed inspection everything was cool.
From what I have gathered from some of the posts I have read on Punaweb, any plumbing and/or electrical work has to be done by a licensed contractor in these fields. Does this requirement apply to any of the other trades?
Do the terms "pulled permit" or"pulling a permit" simply refer to the issuance of a permit?
One last question, for now  , regarding Leilani. Looks like I have to run any plans/drawings by the home owner's association as part of any work/improvements I might want to do in the future. Assuming my plans do not conflict with the CCRs, has anyone out there had positive or negative experience with the association?
Thanks for any input you would like to share...................John and Ida
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It's easy to deal with the LE Association. I had some issues with them when they did not reply to my submitted plans within 30 days as required by the CC&Rs though, so you might need to call them (or step by at the office on Moku Street) to make sure they don't delay your plan.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
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The terms "pulled permit" or"pulling a permit" do simply refer to the issuance of a permit.
In addition to elect and plumb trades I believe there is a requirement for a specialize trade to dig the hole for the septic. Weird (I hope I'm wrong. Someone correct me).
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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No Rob, you are not wrong. Septic/cesspool both have to be submitted to the Health Department and drawn by a Civil Engineer.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
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quote:
...there is a requirement for a specialize trade to dig the hole for the septic....
From Ron Nickel, P.E., spec sheet: " Cesspool must be installed by either of the following licensed contractors: c-9 CESSPOOL; c-37 PLUMBING; the "A" General engineering."
Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 217-7578
http://bluewaterpm.125mb.com/index.html
"We help make building your dream home a reality"
well, the length of time it takes to get a permit here is ridiculous ... and the building department is not what you would call helpful. They make the process sound difficult.
Talking to Kona side building dept is night and day from Hilo side. Kona side is helpful and knowledgable -- too bad we can't work with them over here.
Now when it comes to the Hilo Planning dept I have found the guys there to be great. Building dept, GRRRR ...
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quote:
well, the length of time it takes to get a permit here is ridiculous ... and the building department is not what you would call helpful. They make the process sound difficult.
Talking to Kona side building dept is night and day from Hilo side. Kona side is helpful and knowledgable -- too bad we can't work with them over here.
Now when it comes to the Hilo Planning dept I have found the guys there to be great. Building dept, GRRRR ...
I strongly disagree with the opinion of the Hilo side Bldg Division office. They have always been incrdibly nice, very efficient, and permits are not taking too long but... that said there is a group of new clerks that do seem to take quite a while to review the plans for the intial application. They also understand less about building. Nani has always been awesome getting things done or with advice. BUT I also approach her with "Nani, I am not sure.... can I ask your advice?".... never seen anyone that doesnt want to offer advice and fluff their feathers.
Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 217-7578
http://bluewaterpm.125mb.com/index.html
"We help make building your dream home a reality"
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I agree with Cat, I have built several homes on the Hilo side and I only had good experiences with the Building Department in Hilo.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
Posts: 4,533
Threads: 241
Joined: Jan 2006
quote:
yes, but both of you have relationships with them. And you know how it works.
I didnt in the beginning having only dealt 15 years ago for a short period with Kona.
quote:
I've talked to a few people who work with them regularly who agree with my experience. It is not a fun place to go if you're a novice at the process.
I have seen too many novices go in and through one hellicious fit when they don't get their way / the answer they wanted. I have seen novices that are polite and use their manners, and Bldg helps them.
quote:
My feeling about Hilo is that you don't get warm and fuzzy unless you've been around for a long time and they know you. Cat, you are too much of a regular and old-timer to see how they act to new people.
Could be but with a whole new crew in the front, I have to occassional remember that I must use my manners even though I want to reach across the counter and... it helps staying very polite and taking candy in occassionally or flowers. No different than a present for the recptionist at your doctors office at Christmas.
I do also sit there with every one else with my # in my hand so I watch them for an hour or two 2-4 times a week.
quote:
While I try NEVER to say "in California it is better" because what difference does it make -- it's easier there.
????? It didnt seem that way in No Cal. We looked at a property in Sebastopol and it was a nightmare. I was lost - I got someone who knew their ropes. Also used "I am from Hawaii" a lot and got a little more help. Ten months for a permit it took!
quote:
Cat you provide a Project Management service, for fee, to help people get through.
I do. Mainly because I was giving out info for free and someone told me they thought my services were valuable to them. I started out just running plans and doing SMA assessment applications.
quote:
Well, when my neighbors needed to rebuild in California and were confused and overwhelmed, the County assigned them a Project Manager from their supervisory staff-- absolutely free.
Nothings free honey. They have huge fees associated with the Bldg permits that pay the Project Managers salary.
quote:
Walked them through every phase ... held their hand. Can you imagine that happening here?
Sure, if the properties owners agree to substanial increases of 100x the cost of building permits here currently. California has a mentor for just about everything.
I guess my suggestion is to give them a second chance. Also it is like the builder bandwagon, it is "fun" to rag on builders - all are crooks, etc - same with building div - all are difficult, but they aren't.
I have turned down a few clients because I saw them in building throwing temper tantrums, and then they came to me.
Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 217-7578
http://bluewaterpm.125mb.com/index.html
"We help make building your dream home a reality"
Edited by - kapohocat on 11/08/2007 14:47:34
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quote:
PS I wouldn't say the people are not doing their job. Rather, they work within a very specific system that they understand, and the counter people I've dealt with aren't very good at translating the requirements for those who are unfamiliar with the agencies. They are very good at saying what the rules are ... but not going that extra step of perceiving what is confusing and making it more clear.
My experience was not much better than one of those tech service calls where you end up in a hopeless loop and finally hang up and decide to buy a new computer from a different company.
See above where I noted there are all new clerks at the counter (except for Kathy). They are more by the book then previously. But that comes with the stuff that happened in Hilo during the boom. All sorts of whacky stuff.
Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 217-7578
http://bluewaterpm.125mb.com/index.html
"We help make building your dream home a reality"
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