Dietrich Builders
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. How long will my work
take to complete?
It all depends on the complexity of the project. Bigger projects can take several months for completion. Permits need to be obtained and inspections are required at each stage of the building process. A typical room addition can take ten different inspections prior to completion. Each inspection needs to be requested and depending on the work load of the inspector, he'll usually come out in one to five days |
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2.How do I know if my job
will require permits and inspections?
If your job costs more than $5000, or involves structural changes, or involves electrical, plumbing, or heating & air work, a permit is required. |
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3. What if I have the work
done without permits?
Many companies are out there doing work that requires permits, without obtaining them. So you won't have a problem finding someone to do just that. However, it is illegal, dangerous, and can cost you money in the long run. If you are caught, you can be fined and required to have the work taken down. Also, without a permit, you don't have the benefit of inspections. The inspections are for your protection. Consequences of improperly done construction can range from minor inconveniences to life threatening situations. Collapsed structures, for example, or electrical fires. Insurance companies have also begun to deny claims on home improvements that did not have permits pulled. Furthermore, if you ever sell your home, you are required to disclose to the buyer that you had work done on your home that was not inspected and did not have permits. This tends to scare off buyers. You then might consider not telling a buyer about the lack of obtaining permits. If you went this route and the buyer found out, you could find yourself in court. In short, it is better to get the permits. It will save a lot of potential problems |
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4. Can anyone do my work,
or do I need a contractor?
If the total job costs less than $30,000 and does not involve electrical, plumbing, or heating & air work, anyone can do the job. If however, anyone of the above applies, you need a licensed general contractor. The exception to that is if the homeowner were to act as his own contractor. If you have the skill and time, you are allowed to work on your own home. Now some companies, that are not licensed to, will take a job for more than $30,000 and say that it is OK, because they split the job into parts less than the $30,000 total. It sounds good, but that is illegal. Some very well-known companies also contract for electrical, plumbing, and heating & air work and are not licensed to do so. They will tell you this is OK, because they will use licensed tradesmen to do that part of the work. This also sounds good but is also illegal. You want to make sure your contractor is licensed |
(309) 392-2592
(309) 275-8209
Email - mark@dietrichbuilders.com
"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of the low price is forgotten!"