A home improvement adventure
you'll want to avoid
by Roger Faris
In our part of the world most homes are well constructed and include all kinds of modern conveniences. The level of comfort, and amount of space for things and activities, is astonishing. Some of us are determined to have even more.
Inspired by neighbors, magazine articles and home improvement centers, we contemplate major projects. Easy and legal access to power tools makes the next dramatic step almost inevitable. We transform our homes into construction sites This can be a temporary condition with a happy outcome, or events can spiral out of control. The story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent writer. All of the other characters are guilty.
Delta Nile needed a bedroom for her two growing boys, and a room for her home office. Expanding her tiny house on Cleopatra Place seemed to be the answer. She drew a sketch of what she wanted and started looking for someone to help her build it. Unfortunately, she found Mr. Wrong. His price seemed right. It sounded almost too good to be true. That made Delta happy, though it should have made her nervous. She didn't ask about qualifications, insurance, building permits, or anything else. Of course he would have been quick with assurances that she didn't need to worry about any of that. He was a quick sort of guy; the work was nearly finished when he quickly left the state.
Delta soon found out about the features of a bad bargain. Mr. Wrong had collected his money, but had failed to pass any of it along to suppliers and sub-contractors. They were not pleased. She started to learn more about legal terms such as liens and encumbrances. At some point she decided that more money would help to straighten things out and get the rest of the job done. An application for a loan brought an appraiser over to take a look at the property. He pointed out that the addition would not be legal unless building, plumbing, and electrical permits could be obtained. This was the beginning of a painful period with city officials.
The main sticking point was that the project had no chance of being approved. Even if the requirements for side yard setback and maximum lot coverage could be waived, the structure would still need to be demolished and then rebuilt. To ensure compliance with building codes, detailed plans need to be approved in advance, and inspections must occur at several crucial stages in the building process. It is impossible to verify that required reinforcing steel was placed in a foundation after concrete has already been poured. Similarly, inspectors can't sign the documents which approve framing, insulation, wiring, and plumbing if they are all hidden behind the new walls.
The situation was depressing and distressing. Without even opening up the walls it was obvious to other experts that the builder hadn't known much about code requirements. The best that could be said was that the addition was a simple design and would probably not fall down. Beyond that there was no way to guarantee the basic safety and integrity of the structure. The project was in limbo, and was about to limbo even lower. The rain came, and water got inside.
It was not easy, but Delta and her home survived. Caulk stopped most of the leaks. The permit application was withdrawn and city officials seemed to forget all about the little house on Cleopatra Place. Maybe this is a benefit of living in the Wild West. The bank even came through with the loan, insisting only that exterior paint be applied over the new siding. The next major challenge will probably arise when it's time to move on. Disclosure of all known defects is now required of all sellers. The missing paperwork is a serious defect. Carpenter ants would be easier to deal with.
Delta Nile learned a lesson, but only part of it. She decided to avoid fly-by-night builders, and has started collecting tools and parts for a do-it-herself effort. I dropped my drill when I heard about the new project, an illegal basement apartment!
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