Town Approvals for Boiler Replacement

Jay_11

I am collecting some estimates to replace a steam boiler and hot water heater in my house in Westchester NY. A number of the plumbers seem reluctant to file the paperwork with the town--it seems not to have anything to do with the price of the estimate--both plumbers with high estimates and low estimates as well those with god reputations in the area have told me that they feel it's not necessary to do so.

I am inclined to insist that this be done because I don't want to be holding the bag 10 years later to chase some necessary approval or certification if I am trying to sell the house or get other permit. I think it may be technically required, although some plumbers tell me that is not the case if they are replacing the boiler because of malfunction--which is the case with my poor boiler.

I don't understand the reluctance. Is there any downsides or costs to me or the plumber from filing the paperwork? Is there a prevailing industry practice here?

Jay_11

Town Approvals for Boiler Replacement

I am collecting some estimates to replace a steam boiler and hot water heater in my house in Westchester NY. A number of the plumbers seem reluctant to file the paperwork with the town--it seems not to have anything to do with the price of the estimate--both plumbers with high estimates and low estimates as well those with good reputations in the area have told me that they feel it's not necessary to do so.

I am inclined to insist that this be done because I don't want to be holding the bag 10 years later to chase some necessary approval or certification if I am trying to sell the house or get other permit. I think it may be technically required, although some plumbers tell me that is not the case if they are replacing the boiler because of malfunction--which is the case with my poor boiler.

I don't understand the reluctance. Is there any downsides or costs to me or the plumber from filing the paperwork? Is there a prevailing industry practice here?

jackchips_2

Have you called

the Town to see what is required?

Then just be sure it is included in any contract you sign.

Seems pretty simple.

Geno_15

I am not familiar with

Westchester. A lot of work is done without permits even though all work in the US is supposed to meet codes and be inspected.
National Building Codes must be followed, local codes can be more stringent but not less. Maybe the inspector in your area is really tough?? Who knows??? If every contractor is saying the same thing that is odd, is it not???

My advice is to call downtown without giving your name and ask questions, that is where you will find them for your area.

Jay_11

I talked to my town hall

They say the plumber just has to file a plumber's permit and then the job gets inspected by the town inspector when completed. Given this message, I'm not sure what the reluctance is. I think I'm going to stay away from the guys that don't want to do this.

DaveGateway

Permit problems

When just replacing a heating system, I could see where I'd want the contractor to be licensed, but getting the work inspected could cause additional expensive work. An inspector might want you to bring up other items up to code that were not part of the deal such as location of emergency cut off switch, flue/supply air, clearance to oil tank, etc. All of this might have been OK when the house got it's last C.O. but not now. Of course any major house remodel that adds additions and required heating system upgrades would fall under the inspector since a new C.O. will be applied for.
I know some towns in NJ require a permit for ANY home improvement and inspectors drive around looking for commercial trucks parked in a residential area doing work. More of a tax revenue stream. I don't think this is the case in Westchester, so just be prepared for some extra expenses if you want to go the permit route.

curiousity kills

permit

I agree. just expect to pay more around my area this could add another half day to the job. The biggest thing is most inspections can only be done like certain times of the day and they give you 3 to 4 hour time frame so we have to wait and it is hard to schedule other work that day to work around this.

Kal Row

when the inspector comes down and....

doesn’t like something unrelated to the new boiler and locks down the gas supply or a some new install detail that hadn't gotten to the field etc, it's YOU that will be holding the bag anyway - so save yourself the trouble, more important get a contractor with good references, than an inspector, - unless your inspector is willing to tell you if he dislikes the contractor your considering - then you need a new inspector

ScottMP

Joe

Every job should include all the things you have mentioned. Its our responsibilty to due a proper and complete job that brings the new heating applaince up to code.

Maybe thats why these guys don't want to pull a permit, so they can do a cheap job.

Scott

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Steve Paul

INSPECTIONS

I never understood the reluctance by either the home owner or the contractor to pull permits. The whole point of having a job inspected , is to have a third, disinterested party who is an expert in the proposed installation determine if the installation meets the requirements of the juristictional codes involved. Most codes are minimum requirement codes. As such they insure that the installed job meets the minimum SAFETY requirements to prevent injury or property damage. Inspectors are the home owners advocate. The home owner should not be expected to fully understand the mechanical requirements of the code and the contractor may or may not be qualified to do the job. This is where the inspector comes in. If the job has been installed correctly, evey one is happy. If not, then the defects must be remedied before the final payment is made. No legitimate contractor has to fear legitimate inspections. Home owners should welcome them. A bootleg job installed by a moonlighter "Might" save the owner a few bucks up front. But when the time comes to sell the property, and local authorities ask for permits for the job, the "STUFF" hits the fan and the home owner is left holding the bag. Or worse yet someone is injured by a defective job, improperly installed. I doubt that your insurance company would cover you in such a scenario. The price of the permit is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Robert O'Connor_7

Get the permit.

Hire the contractor who gets the permit and stay away from the others. Not only does it make sense, but without it may put you, your family, and your biggest investment at risk. For a few extra $$ spent, it could save your life and besides, IT'S THE LAW!....Robert O'Connor/NJ