DIY guys get in here. finishing basement and garage.

[twitchyfinger]

I'm not convinced of the "being inspected by someone qualified" part, there are schools now to just become an inspector, not knowing anything about actually doing the work. Opinions differed from inspector to inspector when doing my work. One would say "why did he approve that?" or "ok, not sure why he had you do it that way.." One inspector was not more than 20 years old, and didn't seem like he knew very much.

Most cities and counties are going by the international building code now, so most things are similar builds now. (electric, hvac, plumb)

It is a challenge to get through the process sometimes.

I see your point and agree with you. My main motivation for obtaining a permit was for resale reasons. It does sure help to have a general knowledge of how certain things are done like framing, drywall, electrical, pluming etc. But for the things that some people like myself don't know anything about it provides me with some insurance that the person doing it is somewhat competent in what they are doing. My example is the kid I hired to do my job initially wanted to and was going to do the electrical also. While he is a licensed and insured builder is is not a licensed and insured electrician. He know about as much as I do when it come to electrical so when it comes to wiring a 220v line from the main panel to the basement and adding in a 100 amp dub panel in the basement neither of us had a clue. I had to hire I licensed electrician to do the job and none would even touch it unless the entire job was under permit. Yes this is a big and daunting task! It took me months of preparation just to get started on this project. I do see your point and agree and until recently I was all against and didn't see the need for a permit. It has been a learning process for me and i'm still learning! You are so right that it's a challenge to get through this and by no means an easy task to take on!

[bgouker]

I do basements during the winter and take care of a lot of rentals. Permits are really needed. If you resale, that can hold up the process and trying to get an inspection after the fact is not fun. If it is a rental and something happens that effects the tenant and it is a result of something not up to code, your insurance may not cover it or you. I refuse to do any major work without a permit. If your neighbors turn you in, there is a cease and desist order given, then a lot of hoops and cash spent. It is just easier to just get the permit. The last one I got was not to expensive. If you get a permit, take it when you buy your lumber pack or anything else and keep track since the tax is prefigured in the cost of your pemit. My 2 cents.

[sniper7]

Don't forget hvac. Let me know iffn you want a bid!

Will do!

[BPTactical]

The one biggest thing about a permit, god forbid something happens if the job is permitted insurance will cover it.

[BushMasterBoy]

I noticed sometimes building permits are noted on the county assessors website. Usually a date of the permit and minor explanation. Might help if resale ever comes.

[sniper7]

Do you need a permit to finish a garage?

[jslo]

If your doing any electrical, plumbing or heat-definitely is "required". Anything else, fawk em.

[Wulf202]

Get a permit, any faulty work that say burns the house down can be your fault without a permit. Any resale value you think you'll get from this finish will vanish.

Get a radon test before you start.

Seal the concrete against moisture.

Put in a full bathtub not a stall.

With your plans and kids skip hardwood and use a vinyl wood product.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...&storeId=10051

[twitchyfinger]

Do you need a permit to finish a garage?

Are your serious? This is the currently liberally controlled government we are talking about!

Sorry Sniper but you set yourself up for that one!

[Wulf202]

Do you need a permit to finish a garage?

This you can usually get away with the "it was that way when i bought it" routine.