Basement Blog Update
I learned a lesson, this week: No good deed goes unpunished. When I set out to have my basement remodeled, I wanted to do it right. I’m using union workers and I wanted all the permits pulled and inspections made. Now I know why people do things under the table. The inspector (pictured above) came out and was BRUTAL. The guys doing the work had never heard of some of the things he brought up. Couldn’t use gray caulk, it had to be red caulk. The insulation the house had been built with had to be replaced. Fire barriers had to be installed every few feet in the suspended ceiling. And - here’s the kicker - the rest of the 1996-built house has to be brought up to 2006 code before he’ll sign off on the work. Yeah. Things have to be changed all over the house. He even wants a fresh-air duct run to the water heater. Nodoby knows how to do that. Water heaters don’t come with intakes. And there’s more.. even in the upstairs bedrooms. It’s going to cost me thousands to change things that were to code just 3 years ago. I could have saved so much money by doing it under the table. Thank you, Novi. Makes me proud to be a taxpayer.
August 13th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Doc…..TOO FUNNY!!!! Love it
August 13th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
how ridiculous!!!! this basement truly is a labor of love (and a crapload of money)! just think it will all be worth it when it is totally done and Kay is down there in the basement using the strip pole you put in!!! LOL
August 13th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Kay’s going to have to work a REAL stripper pole to help pay for the extra costs!!! : )
-Doc
August 14th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Dr. Don,
I feel your pain on basement remodeling - been there still doing that - believe it will never end.
August 14th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Doc, I think you should be the one to work the real stripper pole…..after all, you’re the one who wanted to do it right and pull all the permits!!
August 14th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Renee..
The idea is to MAKE money. Not lose it from lawsuits from the newly blind.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
LOL!!!! Sorry, my bad. Just tryin’ to help. I’ll stop now.
August 14th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Ummm does Kay know about her future job? LOL!
Somehow I think she doesn’t!
August 15th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Hi Doc!
I have one word for you - SELL!!! (and then run like hell!!!) You poor guy - literally!!! We have learned from our dream home (which is currently on the market and not even a nibble). Hey - if you’re looking for something in the Richmond area - I have a 105 year old brick Victorian (3 bedrooms, 1 bath - yes, we do offer indoor plumbing!). It even has a partial fieldstone Michigan style basement that you can’t even stand up straight in ‘cuz the ceiling is too low! So, you wouldn’t have to worry about adding a bar to it, unless you like visiting your local chiropractor. Anyways, good luck in dealing with THE INSPECTOR!!! I’ll keep my fingers (and eyes) crossed for you!!! Kim
August 18th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Hey Doc
Sorry to hear of your basement troubles, your mom wasn’t always right when she told you that following the rules and doing things the right way would be the best way!!! sometimes it backfires!! Good luck with the inspector, some of them can be so stuffy! I also want to tell you that you have an awsome staff there at wycd, I had a blast yesterday driving them to Cedar Pointe, they were awsome!!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
GEEZ O PIZZAS!!! I feel terrible for you! Speaking of Novi, why do I work there anyway? You know where I work, the wonderful city of Novi decided to do some construction work on Orchard Hill Place….there is now only one entrance in and out of the parking lot….until mid-October!!!!! Thanks, Novi!!