I Want a Second Kitchen in My Home

by | Jan 13, 2020 | Levco Builders Process, Remodel Design and Planning | 0 comments

Reading Time: 3 minutes

City of Trees

I recently went to visit a prospect who was interested in having their (new to them) home modified by adding a kitchen to the basement for Grandma. To educate him, I said that what he wanted to create was called an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and that permitting would be necessary. I said that he also had an option to create a duplex, but the rules were less favorable. He abruptly stopped and asked me to leave. I was in and out in 5 minutes. (a new personal record).

As I was gathering up my stuff, he mentioned that he had shown the project to two other contractors who did not mention any of that ADU talk and that this project was going to be done without a permit. Not by Levco, I mumbled as I left.

Since that visit, we have been able to ask enough questions to weed out other prospects that are asking for the same thing.

Rules, nope there are none

Where Are the Rules?

There are no real rules for Airbnb (Air Bed & Breakfast) or VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) units. People are figuring out ways to make a buck by renting out their spare rooms, I get it. It is becoming a hot topic for the mayoral candidates because regulation is what governments do best, and the short-term rental market out of control, especially if you ask the neighbors who live near them.

The pressure on small contractors must be unbearable. Are they just ignorant? I guess you have to learn it on the streets. There is no requirement for education, let alone for continuing education for contractors yet. There should be real consequences for the contractors. Time for the police to get involved?

Reminiscing

There was a time during the last slow cycle in the 80-s that inspectors were roaming around looking for permit-less jobs. Now they are barely keeping up with the volume of work that is going on. I suppose they get the occasional report of work being done by a sign-less contractor under the radar.

Work Without a Permit? Oh, Hell No!

I do not have all the answers, but I am ready to be part of the discussion. What fool thinks that this work can or should be done without a permit? Here is a link to the things you don’t need permits for in Boise.

Three are so many reason why working on, or having work done on your home without appropriate permits is wrong, I started a list.

  • You do not get third party verification that the work was done properly.
  • Your insurance company is not in the loop and could deny a claim.
  • Your home if sold will have had work done without a permit.
  • Your contractor is breaking the law.
  • You are breaking the law.
  • If your home is ruined during the process of an illegal remodel, that may be on you.
  • The permit fees are double if you get caught.

There are probably more reasons not to do it; feel free to jump in and add to the list. I was just happy to read where several hundred un-licensed contractors were arrested for offering to do un-permitted work in the Los Angeles area.

Parting Thoughts

Part of me wanted to report him, but I chose not to. On the off chance he and his contractor get caught, all I will say is “I told you so.” The consequences of being caught could be a blessing and a good learning opportunity that was obviously missed in kindergarten.

Levco has built a reputation as rule followers. We are spring loaded to get permits and follow the rules. Our reputation rides on it. I am proud of that, and our clients expect and appreciate our approach, too. If it is a second kitchen you want under the same roof, then hire a contractor that knows how to follow the ADU rules and get your remodeling done right.


Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, click here to email me directly, or call 208-947-7261

If you or someone you know is considering remodeling or just wants to speak to a trustworthy remodeling contractor, please contact me. You’ll be glad you did.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.

Related Posts

Building Science and Remodeling

Building Science and Remodeling

As a residential remodeler for a few decades after being a paramedic for a little longer,  I have learned to take command of a situation and solve problems quickly and efficiently. I have been able to watch the evolution of Building Science. It affects every aspect of...

read more
What Makes This Entrepreneur Tick

What Makes This Entrepreneur Tick

As a kid, my older brother Mike was known for putting things apart and putting them back together. He went on to become an accomplished locksmith and then a hardware specialist for large commercial projects. He pioneered a lock that retrieves stolen keys for the local...

read more

Leave A Comment

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

Categories

Latest Projects

Master Suite Addition

Master Suite Addition

Master Suite AdditionThe Challenge They came up with a plan drawn by others with several significant errors. One was the size of the addition, and the other was the angle of the trusses. The clients who work remotely turned out to be excellent communicators and...

Dining Room Addition and Kitchen Remodel

Dining Room Addition and Kitchen Remodel

Dining Room Addition and Kitchen RemodelThe Challenge The home had an odd entry room with a coat closet and partition wall in the way. This room was pretty useless and annoying to the client. Then, the kitchen was blocked from the activity in the living room, and the...

Primary Suite Remodel with Deck

Primary Suite Remodel with Deck

Primary Suite Remodel & DeckThe Challenge Inaccurate plans were provided that had to get updated over the course of the project. The project is on a creek so lots of precautions were needed to keep erosion out of it.  The Idea Create a primary suite that is...

Whole House Remodel

Whole House Remodel

Whole House RemodelThe Challenge The home was in the hillside district and in the WUI which means that the home has some extra requirements as far as firesafe and extra structural requirements. There had been an addition done to the house years prior that was not...