Last week I mentioned that I received a letter from the City of Berkley stating that there was an electrical permit pulled on my house that needed to be closed. The permit was pulled in 2005, and after speaking with a representative from the city over the phone, I learned that during the inspection 6 violations were found. A follow-up inspection was never scheduled by the homeowner at the time, therefore, the permit was never closed. The letter was requesting that the city of Berkley complete another inspection so they could close it out.
I had big plans to begin my long-awaited bathroom renovation this month and this could easily put a big kibosh on that project. So, as one might expect, this is where I start sweating bullets and become a nail biter. Inspection day was scheduled for Wednesday. First thing in the morning I called the city to see where my inspection was on their schedule and was told I was first. Gulp. I sure hope his wife was nice to him this morning.
The inspector was an older man who was a retired electrician and he kinda reminded me of my dad (+15 years). You know, 5'9", white hair, white moustache, red cheeks, and a little beer belly. I have my dad wrapped around my finger and I was hoping that the inspector also had a soft spot for a nice smile. I may have to work this later. Anywho, as I led him through my newly renovated kitchen I was hoping he wouldn't mention anything about it. You don't need a permit if you're not moving walls or changing electrical. Regardless, if he said something about it I would get really nervous and start rambling on about the renovation and why I don't need a permit and then I would say something stupid that would probably get me in trouble. He didn't say anything.
The inspector started inspecting, looking first at the subpanel, and mumbled something about not needing to start his day like this. I'm guessing that were not off to a great start here. Thankfully, he mentioned that some of the "big" violations had been taken care of...like the installation of a main disconnect (which is a commercial sized disconnect and overkill for my 1,000 sq foot bungalow...but it works. Whew), and a large tubular thing the size of my wrist (I'm using the technical terms here) that goes into the subpanel had been installed. These are both costly items and he stated that I was "lucky" they were complete. However, he did find 10 violations...and here is what I heard:
1) Copper and aluminum can't be next to each other because of blahblah and it could cause blah blah blah, so we need to install a large extender thingy to move them over on the other side of the sub panel
2) The main disconnect had the same issue as above
3) I need a grounding screw in the main disconnect
For the most part, I just stood there with a very worried look on my face and took notes quietly. Even though I really wanted to say "so, you're saying that you're writing up a violation because I need a screw. In that little hole. Right there. One stupid screw." Fast forwarding to today for you - my electrician said that the main disconnect is already grounded, but if the inspector wanted a screw for no reason he will put a screw there. This is what you do...you don't argue with the inspector.
4) The water meter needs a grounding strap that runs from the meter to a ground (whatever this means)
5) The water meter needs ANOTHER strap that jumps the meter thing
6) A ground needs to connect the hot water line, the cold water line and the gas line.
7) These wires need to be moved from here...to here (2 inches away)
8) Staple bundle of wires up to the wall.
9) Furnace needs a something-higher-than-what-I-have volt
10) Install bonding bridge
He stopped here. Told me I have 10 days to complete the work and then explained that I have to go to the city office and pull a permit in my name. I understand that I need to fix this electrical issue - it's important to me that it is done correctly and I wouldn't sell my house knowing that I had these issues. However, I was confused why I had to pull a permit and pay the city MORE money when I wasn't the idiot that pulled a permit and did a crappy job in the first place.
This is where I stopped him...and said something like this "Look, I got this letter in the mail that stated that SOMEONE else opened a permit on my house to do electrical work, and they did a horrible job. I understand that I'm the owner and this is now my issue. I will take care of it, I will do it right and you are welcome to come back in 10 days and check my work. But why do I have to apply for a permit when there is already a permit on this issue open?" I may have also said "I could've just ignored your letter and fixed the violations that were already open and you would've had no idea whether it was the previous owner or me."
Well I guess because the permit isn't in my name. And since I am now liable for the work and making sure it gets done correctly then I have to pay the city $200 to get a piece of paper saying that I am the new homeowner. He suggested that I could sue the responsible party/parties(he named a list of people who were currently liable for this issue - with a signature to prove it). But suing someone really isn't in my nature...
So I took a minute to think. I set my emotions aside and realized that in the whole scheme of things, this really isn't a big deal. I'll do what the city wants (open up a new permit) and then we'll be past it and my house will be better for it. When I went back to the inspector to let him know that I would apply for a permit right away, he did offer a nice little gesture when he said that there were other violations (and he pointed them out) that he didn't write me up for - he just asked that I have my electrician fix them. This was his way of being kind and helpful.
Overall, the inspection uncovered some items that will delay my bathroom renovation. However, I am thankful that he pointed out the violations so I can make it right. I don't like to do anything halfway or incorrect. And honestly, I wanted to renovate my basement anyway. It's just going to happen sooner than I planned for.
As with anything in life, there are many things that happen that we don't expect or plan for. We just have to make the most with what we got. Party at my place once this thing is dunzo!
Mary
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