Homeowners doing their own work

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

That is not even close to the next door neighbor re-wiring their home.

As much as I support homeowners right to work on their own home I would not support their right to heat their pool with a home built reactor. :grin:

 

[nakulak]

I had to work on a buddy of mine's cabin in WV last year, and it really bummed me out to hear that they started requiring building permits. I was almost as bummed as that day 10 or so years ago that I heard they actually outlawed you being able to drive with an open beer in Texas. I just don't know what this world is coming to.

 

[goldstar]

I have always assumed when I buy anything it is my responsibility to determine the condition of that item.

Bob, God granted you the ability to be able to make that determination but not everyone in the general public has that ability. There are many things that help determine how much a house is worth such as the land it's on, proximity to big cities, school systems, sewers, sidewalks, condition of electrical wiring and plumbing and so on. If you determine that the house you are about to buy is worth the $$ that's great. But the houses on either side of you can be virtual fire traps and end up burning your house down when either of them goes. Municipalities have an obligation to its residents and anyone wishing to be part of the community to, at the very least, assure that the houses in their community were built to a given standard. After all, we're in a modern day civilized country with running water and electricity. We're not living in grass huts in Zimbabwe, Rhodesia

People should have the freedom to do things themselves, from gas piping, building or tuning their own cars, brakes, install pools and swingsets, landscape and plant trees, electrical wiring, sprinkler systems, plumbing, without having to hire professional services.

If you're a guy like Bob (iwire) who has the ability to do all types of work, is consciensious about his work, has the know how and the ability to do plumbing and to check for gas leaks, can accurately and safely install his car brakes so that not only his safety but the safety of others are assured then God bless you. But Big Orange publishes books on all these things while pumping up the average Joe and the next thing you know he's out there installing lamp cord inside his walls to feed receptacles. In all probability, that won't be something a home inspector will pick-up on when that HO tries to sell his house.

All I'm trying to say is that permits and the inspection process brings everyone to a common level. We, as professionals, should have to proove that our work meets a given standard and Joe Homeowner should have to do the same to assure that the house they try to sell a year from now meets that standard.

 

[iwire]

Bob, God granted you the ability to be able to make that determination but not everyone in the general public has that ability.

That is who home inspectors are for, or they can hire an EC to look over the electrical system.

 

[cschmid]

Bob I can see you are a promoter of non professions doing professional work..Why??The cost of hiring a professional and a home inspector are the same..why would you promote business to a non professional..I have posted previously about how they violate the law just in this state alone..Why promote the under qualified to do unlicensed work..If there is a problem you still have to go after the HO in court your self..They legally serve no purpose except to line their pocket with cash and rob the HO of cash..In order for you to have good inspections you need to have pro's doing the work..I promote the professionals in our trade and others..I would be bummed if i hire a HI and found out my house was a crack ab after moving in and receiving a clean bill of health from a HI..I0 am amused at how many promote the unqualified to professional work..I have heard all you complain about the HO doing work yet you will promote a HI inspection..simplly amazing..

 

[cschmid]

Do they make this in a 2 person or a party tub Nice..:grin:

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

Bob, God granted you the ability to be able to make that determination but not everyone in the general public has that ability. There are many things that help determine how much a house is worth such as the land it's on, proximity to big cities, school systems, sewers, sidewalks, condition of electrical wiring and plumbing and so on. If you determine that the house you are about to buy is worth the $$ that's great.

Another consideration would be proximity to other homes, no? Personally, I would never purchase a home that's attached to another. I'd have to guess most areas where licensing is not necessary are rural.

But the houses on either side of you can be virtual fire traps and end up burning your house down when either of them goes.

True, but I'll hazard a guess that most fires are not caused by faulty wiring or gas piping. Lately, (and I blame all those home fix-up shows) people are going candle-crazy. Falling asleep smoking. Unattended fireplaces.

Municipalities have an obligation to its residents and anyone wishing to be part of the community to, at the very least, assure that the houses in their community were built to a given standard. After all, we're in a modern day civilized country with running water and electricity. We're not living in grass huts in Zimbabwe, Rhodesia

I think you're equating safety with regulation, and I really don't believe the two are all that equated. In some municipalities, you can build a swimming pool and leave it at that. In others, self-closing gates, 4-6' fences, and other access-denial methods must be included. Yet neither the natural pond down the block, nor the ocean have fences surrounding them. And a child can still drown in 2" of water, a puddle.

Purchase an extention cord lately? Notice no less than 4 warning flags stuck to it, informing the consumer that it's not a toy, it's a choking hazard, that it's a tripping hazard, might possibly contain lead, do not immerse in water... Could you imagine a warning sticker on your next pair of Kleins, "cutting live wires may lead to spark, fire, or death?"

If you're a guy like Bob (iwire) who has the ability to do all types of work, is consciensious about his work, has the know how and the ability to do plumbing and to check for gas leaks, can accurately and safely install his car brakes so that not only his safety but the safety of others are assured then God bless you. But Big Orange publishes books on all these things while pumping up the average Joe and the next thing you know he's out there installing lamp cord inside his walls to feed receptacles. In all probability, that won't be something a home inspector will pick-up on when that HO tries to sell his house.

True, but I'd doubt the municipality would detect it either. Suffice it to say, if it's completely hidden it's doubtful it will ever be detected. So more regulation wouldn't solve that problem either.

All I'm trying to say is that permits and the inspection process brings everyone to a common level. We, as professionals, should have to proove that our work meets a given standard and Joe Homeowner should have to do the same to assure that the house they try to sell a year from now meets that standard.

I say, government is not my mommy.