Otis in the Suburbs (1 Viewer)

[Otis]

Project to permit ratio 5:3Oil tank removed = permitBathroom #1 renovation = no permitPatio Built = no permitDeck Built = permit(s) Bathroom #2 renovation = permit(s)

We're get renovating a kitchen, taking down an interior wall, and moving an exterior window up a foot or two.

so 3 permits (electrical, plumbing and framing). Probably should do it. I don't really buy into it, but some claim that when you go to resell the house it is always good to have the permits as documentation that renovations were done properly. I never asked for permits, not sure very many people actually do.

If you don't get the permits, one of your new jerk suburban neighbors is going to rat you out and then you'll be fined. Check out what the fines are in your new town and weigh the cost benefit.

Sort of what I was thinking. Then again, I'm hoping to get out there before the work starts, wife I and I can ring the two immediate neighbors' doorbells, introduce ourselves, and make a peace offering, perhaps leave them a bottle of wine for the grief in the event there is any noise, along with my cell number asking them to call me anytime if there is any disturbance to them from the work.Seems like a suburbany thing to do.

 

[gianmarco]

The other issue with permits is if/when you end up selling the home......

 

[Otis]

The other issue with permits is if/when you end up selling the home......

I don't think that's a real issue unless you're talking about adding on a room and needing a certificate of occupancy. That's really all you look at when you're buying a home that had something done to it. I've never heard of asking for the permits that were opened to do other work.

 

[squidrope]

Get the permits

Most electricians and plumbers (gas line) will not be covered by their insurance if something goes wrong. This is a possible fire/explosion your gambling with. For the little bit more it'll cost get the permit.

 

[The Z Machine]

Get the permits and get a better GC while you're at it.

 

[ArcticEdge]

Get the permits and get a better GC while you're at it.

He cant, this guy is the best mirror guy on the east coast!MIRRORS!

 

[shuke]

Get the permits and get a better GC while you're at it.

He cant, this guy is the best mirror guy on the east coast!MIRRORS!

Wow, a mirror joke? No way!

 

[cstu]

Project to permit ratio 5:3Oil tank removed = permitBathroom #1 renovation = no permitPatio Built = no permitDeck Built = permit(s) Bathroom #2 renovation = permit(s)

We're get renovating a kitchen, taking down an interior wall, and moving an exterior window up a foot or two.

so 3 permits (electrical, plumbing and framing). Probably should do it. I don't really buy into it, but some claim that when you go to resell the house it is always good to have the permits as documentation that renovations were done properly. I never asked for permits, not sure very many people actually do.

When selling the house you can't advertise the additional square footage so it a little awkward trying to convince a possible buyer that even though the stated size is 2000 sq. ft it's actually 2500 sq. ft. It can be done but you're probably going to get less per sq without the permits.

 

[the moops]

Project to permit ratio 5:3Oil tank removed = permitBathroom #1 renovation = no permitPatio Built = no permitDeck Built = permit(s) Bathroom #2 renovation = permit(s)

We're get renovating a kitchen, taking down an interior wall, and moving an exterior window up a foot or two.

so 3 permits (electrical, plumbing and framing). Probably should do it. I don't really buy into it, but some claim that when you go to resell the house it is always good to have the permits as documentation that renovations were done properly. I never asked for permits, not sure very many people actually do.

When selling the house you can't advertise the additional square footage so it a little awkward trying to convince a possible buyer that even though the stated size is 2000 sq. ft it's actually 2500 sq. ft. It can be done but you're probably going to get less per sq without the permits.

I dont think Otis is adding an addition to his house. He is just getting his kitchen remodeled. There is not mysterious 500 sq ft to account for.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Project to permit ratio 5:3

Oil tank removed = permit

Bathroom #1 renovation = no permit

Patio Built = no permit

Deck Built = permit(s)

Bathroom #2 renovation = permit(s)

We're get renovating a kitchen, taking down an interior wall, and moving an exterior window up a foot or two.

so 3 permits (electrical, plumbing and framing). Probably should do it. I don't really buy into it, but some claim that when you go to resell the house it is always good to have the permits as documentation that renovations were done properly. I never asked for permits, not sure very many people actually do.

When selling the house you can't advertise the additional square footage so it a little awkward trying to convince a possible buyer that even though the stated size is 2000 sq. ft it's actually 2500 sq. ft. It can be done but you're probably going to get less per sq without the permits.

I dont think Otis is adding an addition to his house. He is just getting his kitchen remodeled. There is not mysterious 500 sq ft to account for.

If I'm buying, and there's electrical/plumbing/HVAC/structural work done without a permit (because I will ask) I'm probably not as interested. Get the permits. For a few hundred bucks, the peace of mind is worth it. Hell, forget the resale stuff - you've got a kid coming, right?

 

[Jojo the circus boy]

Permit and XBox clause in the contract agreement.

 

[GroveDiesel]

The other issue with permits is if/when you end up selling the home......

I don't think that's a real issue unless you're talking about adding on a room and needing a certificate of occupancy. That's really all you look at when you're buying a home that had something done to it. I've never heard of asking for the permits that were opened to do other work.

I don't know what the laws are like in NY, but in NJ you need to get a certificate of occupancy for the house every time you sell. Some towns are pretty lenient, but others will absolutely hold up a sale if you don't have the permits. In fact, they'll make you tear down any work that was done, get the permits, and redo it. I would imagine that it would not only kill the sale, but be pretty pricey when talking about a kitchen remodel.

 

[ArcticEdge]

Get the permits and get a better GC while you're at it.

He cant, this guy is the best mirror guy on the east coast!MIRRORS!

Wow, a mirror joke? No way!

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Permit and XBox clause in the contract agreement.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

The other issue with permits is if/when you end up selling the home......

I don't think that's a real issue unless you're talking about adding on a room and needing a certificate of occupancy. That's really all you look at when you're buying a home that had something done to it. I've never heard of asking for the permits that were opened to do other work.

I don't know what the laws are like in NY, but in NJ you need to get a certificate of occupancy for the house every time you sell. Some towns are pretty lenient, but others will absolutely hold up a sale if you don't have the permits. In fact, they'll make you tear down any work that was done, get the permits, and redo it. I would imagine that it would not only kill the sale, but be pretty pricey when talking about a kitchen remodel.

It varies from town to town. Some don't require it.

 

[Otis]

If I'm buying, and there's electrical/plumbing/HVAC/structural work done without a permit (because I will ask) I'm probably not as interested.

Get the permits. For a few hundred bucks, the peace of mind is worth it. Hell, forget the resale stuff - you've got a kid coming, right?

We're gonna pull the permits here, gang. Contractor reports he went down to village hall and spoke to them. They seemed surprised and said that most people don't bother. But he spoke to the inspector and they were pleased we're doing it. He said it'll cost us a good 5 hundo for the permits we need, but it will only slow the job a few days and we'll be square. Additionally, to the extent the wall he is taking down ends up being load-bearing (he doesn't know yet), he will have to get an architect in to approve, but it shouldn't be much trouble at all.You're right -- well worth the peace of mind.

 

[Otis]

Found this in this month's GQ magazine, which has a big section on doing your yard up right -- picture of a brick/cement bench with fire pit. Looks totally awesome. Would love to do something like this out in the corner of the yard. That bench probably lasts an eternity, and you just swap out new cushions through the seasons/bring them in when the weather is bad. Looks like a killer setup for kicking back and relaxing. Wonder if I could do something like this myself?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

If I'm buying, and there's electrical/plumbing/HVAC/structural work done without a permit (because I will ask) I'm probably not as interested.

Get the permits. For a few hundred bucks, the peace of mind is worth it. Hell, forget the resale stuff - you've got a kid coming, right?

We're gonna pull the permits here, gang. Contractor reports he went down to village hall and spoke to them. They seemed surprised and said that most people don't bother. But he spoke to the inspector and they were pleased we're doing it. He said it'll cost us a good 5 hundo for the permits we need, but it will only slow the job a few days and we'll be square. Additionally, to the extent the wall he is taking down ends up being load-bearing (he doesn't know yet), he will have to get an architect in to approve, but it shouldn't be much trouble at all.You're right -- well worth the peace of mind.

Now you've got another check on the dude's work. Some inspectors are crooked (i.e. paid off by the contractor, though that's much less prevalent these days) but most are pretty diligent and thorough - whether it's because they're good guys or just want to be an ###. No matter what their motivation, it's good for you.

 

[LHUCKS]

You people are all clowns. Along with Otis. His questions are beyond ridiculous.

I've got this one guys. AE, In warmer climates, plants can grow outside during the year. Most people grow a blade shaped plant on the area around their house called "grass", and use a machine called a "lawnmower" to clip it back. Sometimes they even spend time on their "lawn" or even set aside an outdoor area called a "patio", with furniture that allows people to spend outside. "Summer" is a season, much like yours, except that the sun actually sets at night and then comes back up in the morning.

 

[Otis]

Current state of the yard which I plan to delve into with both hands and work on.

Immediate yard/"deck" behind the house

Yard further back with hill up to the right

The space in the back there up on the hill is decent sized, but the grade is pretty steep. At some point I would like to level that out, replant grass, maybe have a retaining wall/some plantings at the bottom of the grade, and put in some kind of small patio/fire pit/lounging area up there. Kind of have two different sitting sections -- one up in the back there for lounging, then the immediate deck area off the house with a table, BBQ, etc.

I can't believe I took this long to move to the suburbs. It seems totally awesome.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Current state of the yard which I plan to delve into with both hands and work on.

Immediate yard/"deck" behind the house

Yard further back with hill up to the right

The space in the back there up on the hill is decent sized, but the grade is pretty steep. At some point I would like to level that out, replant grass, maybe have a retaining wall/some plantings at the bottom of the grade, and put in some kind of small patio/fire pit/lounging area up there. Kind of have two different sitting sections -- one up in the back there for lounging, then the immediate deck area off the house with a table, BBQ, etc.

I can't believe I took this long to move to the suburbs. It seems totally awesome.

Looks awesome, Otis. That hammock's got your name all over it.

 

[Reaper]

Current state of the yard which I plan to delve into with both hands and work on.

Immediate yard/"deck" behind the house

Yard further back with hill up to the right

The space in the back there up on the hill is decent sized, but the grade is pretty steep. At some point I would like to level that out, replant grass, maybe have a retaining wall/some plantings at the bottom of the grade, and put in some kind of small patio/fire pit/lounging area up there. Kind of have two different sitting sections -- one up in the back there for lounging, then the immediate deck area off the house with a table, BBQ, etc.

I can't believe I took this long to move to the suburbs. It seems totally awesome.

I had a deck like that in my yard......

A low level power washer and some stain should take a few hours and is the perfect "beer in hand, look at what a great job I did project" compared to the month long agony of laying bricks.....

Just wear shoes and don't power wash your toes.

 

[Otis]

Current state of the yard which I plan to delve into with both hands and work on.

Immediate yard/"deck" behind the house

Yard further back with hill up to the right

The space in the back there up on the hill is decent sized, but the grade is pretty steep. At some point I would like to level that out, replant grass, maybe have a retaining wall/some plantings at the bottom of the grade, and put in some kind of small patio/fire pit/lounging area up there. Kind of have two different sitting sections -- one up in the back there for lounging, then the immediate deck area off the house with a table, BBQ, etc.

I can't believe I took this long to move to the suburbs. It seems totally awesome.

I had a deck like that in my yard......

A low level power washer and some stain should take a few hours and is the perfect "beer in hand, look at what a great job I did project" compared to the month long agony of laying bricks.....

Just wear shoes and don't power wash your toes.

Yeah I was thinking about taking it out and putting in a real nice patio. Maybe in the short term you're right, I can just wash and stain it, since the wood itself is in fairly decent shape.

 

[Zow]

Current state of the yard which I plan to delve into with both hands and work on.

Immediate yard/"deck" behind the house

Yard further back with hill up to the right

The space in the back there up on the hill is decent sized, but the grade is pretty steep. At some point I would like to level that out, replant grass, maybe have a retaining wall/some plantings at the bottom of the grade, and put in some kind of small patio/fire pit/lounging area up there. Kind of have two different sitting sections -- one up in the back there for lounging, then the immediate deck area off the house with a table, BBQ, etc.

I can't believe I took this long to move to the suburbs. It seems totally awesome.

Downtown condos permit stumbling to bars where there are hot chicks.

 

[Otis]

Current state of the yard which I plan to delve into with both hands and work on.

Immediate yard/"deck" behind the house

Yard further back with hill up to the right

The space in the back there up on the hill is decent sized, but the grade is pretty steep. At some point I would like to level that out, replant grass, maybe have a retaining wall/some plantings at the bottom of the grade, and put in some kind of small patio/fire pit/lounging area up there. Kind of have two different sitting sections -- one up in the back there for lounging, then the immediate deck area off the house with a table, BBQ, etc.

I can't believe I took this long to move to the suburbs. It seems totally awesome.

Downtown condos permit stumbling to bars where there are hot chicks.

You lost me at "downtown" "condos" "bars" and "chicks," though I now understand what you mean by "permit."-SO

 

[shuke]

Immediate yard/"deck" behind the house

Awesome setup.

 

[Otis]

Immediate yard/"deck" behind the house

Awesome setup.

Srsly? I kind of thought it looked junky (these are pics of how it is now, before we move in), and was going to try and figure out ways to make it better. Then again, I have no idea what the crap I'm doing.

 

[TLEF316]

I think that deck would look really good if you re-stain and spruce up the surrounding area a bit.

I wouldn't waste the time and money building a stone or brick deck

 

[RudiStein]

Immediate yard/"deck" behind the house

Awesome setup.

Srsly? I kind of thought it looked junky (these are pics of how it is now, before we move in), and was going to try and figure out ways to make it better. Then again, I have no idea what the crap I'm doing.

I think it looks good. It goes well with the house and the surrounding landscape. Refinishing/refurbishing the wood would probably be a good idea but I also wouldn't want it to look to "new". You have sort of a rustic look going on. A bunch of light colored fresh lumber would look out of place.

 

[Zow]

BTW, I agree with those saying you have a sweet patio setup. Looks great for grilling and beers during the summer. I'd suggest an outdoor hot tub or maybe enclose the patio to make it three seasonal. Firepits rule too.

For your kid(s), if you have a boy especially, I'd definitely say try to level some flat grass area for them to play in. Couldn't imagine being a kid without a backyard to play wiffle ball.

 

[shuke]

Immediate yard/"deck" behind the house

Awesome setup.

Srsly? I kind of thought it looked junky (these are pics of how it is now, before we move in), and was going to try and figure out ways to make it better. Then again, I have no idea what the crap I'm doing.

The condition of the deck obviously isn't great, but I like the layout. You could try to clean/restain or tear down and rebuild. That would be a very easy deck to build.

 

[Otis]

I think that deck would look really good if you re-stain and spruce up the surrounding area a bit.

I wouldn't waste the time and money building a stone or brick deck

I like your thinking here GB. IN

 

[Otis]

Refinishing/refurbishing the wood would probably be a good idea but I also wouldn't want it to look to "new". You have sort of a rustic look going on. A bunch of light colored fresh lumber would look out of place.

Good point here. Maybe we powerwash it and give it a really dark, rustic looking stain. I'm guessing I can get some kind of all weather something-or-other.I also like this idea better than shuke's suggestion of rebuilding the deck. I would absolutely find a way to muck that up.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

If you think that deck looks awesome, you'll love the Branson area.

 

[The Commish]

Immediate yard/"deck" behind the house

Awesome setup.

Srsly? I kind of thought it looked junky (these are pics of how it is now, before we move in), and was going to try and figure out ways to make it better. Then again, I have no idea what the crap I'm doing.

The condition of the deck obviously isn't great, but I like the layout. You could try to clean/restain or tear down and rebuild. That would be a very easy deck to build.

Pressure wash the deck then you can assess how much has to be replaced. I suspect just a board here and there. Replace bad wood, restain, done.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

If I'm buying, and there's electrical/plumbing/HVAC/structural work done without a permit (because I will ask) I'm probably not as interested.

Get the permits. For a few hundred bucks, the peace of mind is worth it. Hell, forget the resale stuff - you've got a kid coming, right?

We're gonna pull the permits here, gang. Contractor reports he went down to village hall and spoke to them. They seemed surprised and said that most people don't bother. But he spoke to the inspector and they were pleased we're doing it. He said it'll cost us a good 5 hundo for the permits we need, but it will only slow the job a few days and we'll be square. Additionally, to the extent the wall he is taking down ends up being load-bearing (he doesn't know yet), he will have to get an architect in to approve, but it shouldn't be much trouble at all.You're right -- well worth the peace of mind.

ool

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Found this in this month's GQ magazine, which has a big section on doing your yard up right -- picture of a brick/cement bench with fire pit. Looks totally awesome. Would love to do something like this out in the corner of the yard. That bench probably lasts an eternity, and you just swap out new cushions through the seasons/bring them in when the weather is bad. Looks like a killer setup for kicking back and relaxing. Wonder if I could do something like this myself?

the bench part looks like poured concrete. There are easier ways of doing something cool.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

BTW, I agree with those saying you have a sweet patio setup. Looks great for grilling and beers during the summer. I'd suggest an outdoor hot tub or maybe enclose the patio to make it three seasonal. Firepits rule too.

For your kid(s), if you have a boy especially, I'd definitely say try to level some flat grass area for them to play in. Couldn't imagine being a kid without a backyard to play wiffle ball.

disregard this part. you won't use it.

 

[RudiStein]

BTW, I agree with those saying you have a sweet patio setup. Looks great for grilling and beers during the summer. I'd suggest an outdoor hot tub or maybe enclose the patio to make it three seasonal. Firepits rule too. For your kid(s), if you have a boy especially, I'd definitely say try to level some flat grass area for them to play in. Couldn't imagine being a kid without a backyard to play wiffle ball.

Hot tubs and firepits are AWESOME to have when you've got a toddler running around.

 

[Otis]

BTW, I agree with those saying you have a sweet patio setup. Looks great for grilling and beers during the summer. I'd suggest an outdoor hot tub or maybe enclose the patio to make it three seasonal. Firepits rule too.

For your kid(s), if you have a boy especially, I'd definitely say try to level some flat grass area for them to play in. Couldn't imagine being a kid without a backyard to play wiffle ball.

Hot tubs and firepits are AWESOME to have when you've got a toddler running around.

A hot tub sounds about like the cheesiest thing I could think of. This isn't the 70's and I'm not snorting coke.

A fire pit, however, is Something like this could be totally awesome:

Fire table

If my kids want to play with fire, I'll let Darwin do his thing and teach them a lesson. Put your hand in there more than once, hey, I helped make you but I'm not gonna cure your stupidity. That part's on you, kiddo.

 

[shuke]

I'm guessing I can get some kind of all weather something-or-other.

You think?

I also like this idea better than shuke's suggestion of rebuilding the deck. I would absolutely find a way to muck that up.

That's the beauty of building outdoor structures out of real wood. They never look perfect anyway, so it hides a lot of your erros.

 

[Otis]

I'm guessing I can get some kind of all weather something-or-other.

You think?

IT'S NOT LIKE I'VE DONE THIS BEFORE, GUY.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

BTW, I agree with those saying you have a sweet patio setup. Looks great for grilling and beers during the summer. I'd suggest an outdoor hot tub or maybe enclose the patio to make it three seasonal. Firepits rule too.

For your kid(s), if you have a boy especially, I'd definitely say try to level some flat grass area for them to play in. Couldn't imagine being a kid without a backyard to play wiffle ball.

Hot tubs and firepits are AWESOME to have when you've got a toddler running around.

A hot tub sounds about like the cheesiest thing I could think of. This isn't the 70's and I'm not snorting coke.

A fire pit, however, is Something like this could be totally awesome:

Fire table

If my kids want to play with fire, I'll let Darwin do his thing and teach them a lesson. Put your hand in there more than once, hey, I helped make you but I'm not gonna cure your stupidity. That part's on you, kiddo.

I sure hope Mrs. Otis subscribes to this school of hard knocks. Otherwise, none what you just said matters. It will be "HONEY OMG THE BABY IS GOING TO #### ITS FACE UP ON THE FIRE THING. DOOOO SOMETHING!~@~@!!@!~@"

these are a little safer, fwiw

 

[shuke]

A fire pit, however, is Something like this could be totally awesome:

Fire table

Oh, brother.You keep talking about wanting to become handy. This outdoors stuff is the perfect opportunity. I think you should build your own, like this.

 

[Sammy3469]

My guess is with all those trees around is you're going to have trouble growing any type of grass.

 

[Otis]

these are a little safer, fwiw

Holy crap this is totally awesome and I could maybe do it myself.

 

[Otis]

I think you should build your own, like this.

I am all over this.

 

[shuke]

Man, I wish I had a good spot to put a fire pit at my house. I had one about 10 feet in diamter at my last house. It ruled.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

these are a little safer, fwiw

Holy crap this is totally awesome and I could maybe do it myself.

I'd glue the bricks together, but ya. I think I might finally get around to adding one to my patio this summer. My little chiminea thing aint cutting the suburban mustard. The only downside (and upside safety-wise) is you are good distance from the actual fire. Unless you burn for awhile and heat up the bricks, you don't get the same campfire affect.

 

[Otis]

My guess is with all those trees around is you're going to have trouble growing any type of grass.

I was assuming that is why they had that pebble/rock nonsense going on in the back. Then again, off to the side of the house in front there is a decent lawn, and there's also some grass on the hill in the back. In certain areas we have that nasty pachysandra weed stuff which I would love to pull out, but I fear it's there for this reason too.