These are good points Neal. I've thought about them myself. For instance, I am almost done with the walls but the foundation is the thing that is the most problematic. Someone told me recently that they had a similar problem with a pumicecrete house. What they had to do was dig down and put the proper foundation under the walls. First they did one side of the wall to the middle. then they did the other.This is the kind of thing that makes me crazy. My house is perfectly sound as it is. All this extra stuff just adds time and expense. I've had the #1 adobe expert in the country tell me my house is very well built and I know he's right. Well anyway, I'm not going to get all bent out of shape over it. I'll consider your suggestion to contact the head of the building dept but wonder of that would piss off the inspector who came out. Maybe he would think I was trying to go over his head. All this politics is way out of my area of interest. I think there are only 1 or 2 inspectors in the entire area. I have been considering putting this project on hold and beginning another, doing it the right way. At this point I'm trying not to feel pressured about anything. I'm making arrangements to stay where I am for the winter and have Mom live with my daughter of sister. I have an extra job lined up and can save a bit of money, get some legit plans, permit, etc for a small guest house and take it from there. Then at some time in the future I'll finish this house I'm almost done with and rent out the guest house. So there are always options. And watching the evolution of papercrete is a never ending facination. And as far as the assessor goes, I have no objection to paying whatever taxes are levied. I'm not trying to get out of paying taxes. I'm just trying to create a home for myself and my mother.
To: papercreters@yahoogroups.com
From: sire@comcast.net
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007 16:37:24 -0600
Subject: Re: [papercreters] Permits, etc
Excellent comments, Howard. Additional questions that could use some insight:Leaving aside the "alternative building" code questions, what is the procedure once you are caught towards getting to an "as built" permit? Are there any fines or penalties for being caught other than having to possibly take apart some things so the inspector can see the inside? Wouldn't Judith be well-advised to call the Head of the building department and find out directly with him what steps she can take? For her to make a personal appearance there would probably be even better instead of waiting for some inspector to call her back.I assume that the only reason the assessor knows about you is that you told him as a friend. For others without that relationship there would be another "being caught" episode when one of the assessor's minions happens to catch them, but since usually assessors have no direct connection with the building department, there would probably be no penalties but only increased taxes from that point on.Neal----- Original Message -----Judith:
I have been "caught" more than once by building code people...... I absolutely refuse to function within the system unless it cannot be avoided, but once you get "caught" you have to change strategy. First rule to remember is know the guy / or gal..... always remember their name, make a bit of small talk and don't forget that daughter that's having a baby, or the new car they just bought, or.... never forget the details. Treat them as a friend as much as possible, bend.... don't resist, bend with the winds. Do not fight them or be a problem unless they are intractably obstructionist, and outside the legal limits of
their supposed authority. flatter them, tap them for their expertise, and their resources, suck them in, stimulate their interest in your project.... and of the opposite gender throw in a little very subtle aura of personal interest. Make them feel knowledgeable, important and attractive... pay attention to how they react to things, and what they say, learn their attitudes and prejudices, and frame things to fit within those. Cultivate the one individual shamelessly using every resource of charm and manipulation you have available. NEVER defy, argue or obstruct.... . make them look forward to visiting you, and turn
them into an ally.
It isn't easy to do this, and often goes against the grain......
Personally I am deeply resentful that some government agency thinks they have authority over me in this area. I regard the building codes department as a highly developed program of extortion operating within the government and masquerading as a "service"..... but I would never communicate that thought to one of these people. They are the enforcers and "bagmen" for a protection racket that is little different in nature from those the mafia runs. They will drive up your costs, force contractors into the picture, permits, etc. Drive you into the arms of a herd of bankers and finance companies... .. force you into the
system. That's what they are there for........ You can't beat them, and you can't "join" them, but you can induce them to "join you".
Neighbor visits, and contractors blowing the whistle are the two most common ways people are caught. Here I am in a very rural setting where nobody gets permits except for residential construction, the assessor will know about my project almost as soon as I begin...... he's a friend of mine (many years). He will assess, visit, be intrigued, etc... but he is not directly connected to the codes folks.
Turn on the charm...... manipulate, manipulate..... charm, and
manipulate some more.... these folks are human and can be "had".
Howard
JUDITH WILLIAMS wrote:
> As many of you know I went into my project without getting a permit. There were several contributing factors to this. For one thing I never expected it to grow into such a big thing and didn't have any plans drawn up. Also working with no money and a bunch of other stuff. Anyway, a few weeks ago a neighbor called for an inspection of his foundationa and I got shut down. At first I freaked out and didn't know what to do. I've done nothing but work at my job and then on this house for almost 3 years with no time off. All of a sudden I had what seemed to me like nothing to do. Well anyway, to make a long story short, I'm over the shock and rather enjoying some time off. I still don't know how to procede. I've called the inspector but he hasn't gotten back to me so I guess I'll call for an inspection to see where I stand and what I can do the get it up to permit standards. I still don't have the money it will take to get and architect and engineer but as it has always happened
with me the universe is aware and is providing what I need. I went to a little bbq last night and the folks there suggested I have a benefit at my place accepting donations. They have a band which is very good and said they would love to perform for free. So I'm thinking about doing that and also have been offered a weekend job that pays very well. So, my advice to all who are concerned and are planning to build a house with papercrete is to see about getting a permit but don't let that stop you. I love my house as it's coming along. I know it will get finished and will be beautiful. Just wanted to keep you all informed. I've received so much encouragement and wonderful advice form this group. Thanks to all of you. I'll let you know about the party so you can come if you want.
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