Legalization and Plumbing Permits
We streamline the legalization process to ensure all plumbing work meets local code compliance.
Do I need permits?
There's a reason building departments require permits and inspections. It's not just about paperwork. It's about making sure the work is done correctly and complies with the building codes.
Imagine installing a new boiler that is oversized and continually tripping because it wasn't properly sized to the home's heating requirements.
New York State has requirements for heating load calculations and equipment sizing, including Manual S & J calculations where applicable. Local building departments enforce these requirements for a reason.
A new boiler doesn't necessarily mean a properly installed boiler. And a permit isn't just another piece of paper.
For more information on when a permit is or isn't needed, contact us or your local Building Department.
Permit Costs
Westchester County has 48 different municipalities; which differ from NYC's Building Department. Permit fees can vary considerably from one municipality to another in Westchester County. Some municipalities calculate permit fees based on the cost of the work. Others charge according to the number of plumbing fixtures being installed. Some require separate permits and fees for gas piping or backflow prevention devices. There is no uniform plumbing permit fee throughout Westchester County. Each city, town, and village establishes its own fee schedule, so the cost depends on where the property is located and what work is being performed. We offer free estimates and all permit costs are explicitly stated.
Insurances and Warranties
Did you know that unpermitted plumbing work could create problems with your insurance coverage? Permits and inspections aren't just about complying with the law. They're also about protecting your investment. If improperly installed plumbing causes property damage, the insurance company may investigate whether the work was performed legally and in accordance with applicable building codes. Depending on the circumstances and policy provisions, coverage could be affected. At Josephine The Plumber, we obtain the required permits, arrange for inspections, and stand behind our work with a warranty.
Consultations & Second Opinions
Plumbing alterations can be expensive, but plumbing mistakes can cost even more. Cutting corners, hiring unlicensed plumbers, or performing work without the required permits can turn a simple project into a costly problem. Good plumbing starts with good planning. A consultation before work begins can help identify potential problems, explain your options, and avoid unnecessary expenses. It's much easier to prevent a plumbing problem than to correct one after the work is finished.
What happens if I work without a permit?
Noreen and Eileen were an elderly couple who lived in the same house for over thirty years. When they decided to retire and sell their home, they ran into a slight problem. Twenty years earlier, they hired an unlicensed plumber who installed a NEW GAS hot water heater without a permit. The title company produced Department of Buildings records showing the hot water was made by their oil boiler and not the new GAS water heater they had installed. Now the sale of their property was held up for a year and the house sat vacant while Noreen and Eileen had already relocated. During this time, they had to maintain a property they no longer lived in. This meant paying property taxes, maintenance, and heating an empty house. After ten months of this, Josephine The Plumber was recommended to legalize the existing plumbing and file permits. The Department of Buildings fines cost Noreen and Eileen more than $10,000. In the end, Noreen and Eileen were forced to wait a year and spend over $30,000 for a job that would have cost about $3,000 if they had obtained permits and done it legally.