HawthorneVillager.com

Below is a quote from a Real Estate advertisement.

"Professionally finished basement with pot lights and big windows, stunning washroom."

Sounds good right ?? 3 year old home with "professionally" finished basement and a "stunning" washroom. Oh my,,, what could be better than that?

So here is the reality

1 - No Permits,

2 - code violations,

3 - electrical issues and electrical code violations,

4 - bathroom plumbing installed on exterior wall that could freeze = poor design.

5 - basement Air-Return left at the ceiling - not allowed.

6 - Small furnace room with no "grate(s)" to allow air for gas appliance combustion. This starves the furnace and water heater. Ever suck air out of a glass bottle?

7 - Large hole in rear garage wall represent gas proofing hazard.

Add that stupidity to builder defects that were never identified and you have got a 3 year old home with way more problems then it should have.

Well, I guess the basement was finished by a "professional". A "professional" twit with little knowledge.

So, if your contractor says you don't need permits to do your basement then he is a liar. Then, if you choose to work with this liar, then at least try to find a competent liar.

_________________
For Home Inspection services call Andy Shaw at Halton Home Inspection Service. 905 876 4761

Although i highly regard your comments, A permit is no guarantee of proper work either, Ive had a few basements done with no permit, It boils down to the quality of contractor you have.
This would also explain the Mattamy homes that were inspected, Yet have countless issues as you describe, i know as i live in one,

Permits can't guarantee workmanship but they do provide for a good plan and reduced liability. But, like I said, if you don't get permits then at least hire someone competent.

And BTW, some aspects of new homes are inspected, usually early on in the process, but none of them get a "home inspection" unless the home owner pays for one.

_________________
For Home Inspection services call Andy Shaw at Halton Home Inspection Service. 905 876 4761

Permits serve to increase your property tax... that's about it... As f said - no guarantee of proper work.

If you were doing something major like moving plumbing, adding plumbing, adding a bedroom, etc - I could see and would agree with permits, but otherwise... meh....

Ill just repeat what I said to f.



Because the advertised "professionally" finished basement in the home that is the subject of this topic was no where near "professional".

_________________
For Home Inspection services call Andy Shaw at Halton Home Inspection Service. 905 876 4761

Makes people wonder if inspections serve any purpose at all to ensure proper workmanship. How do inspectors sign off on the mattamy work, yet there are major structural, electrical, plumbing issues ALL the time, yet inspectors are giving the houses a green light.

I wish permits ensured the job was done right. My new house would have zero problems because they had permits and inspectors.

Happened to me as well. I hired an inspector for my brand new house and he missed something "major" in his write up.

Hiring someone "competent" is great, but when you are dealing with things the average person knows very little about - like home inspections, basement contracting, etc... you are often stuck having to take the "expert's" opinion at face value as he's the one telling you he's an expert.

_________________

There are some municipal inspections. Mostly with regards to structure and foundations. But if exhaust vents are missing, if the attic insulation or ventilation is poor, if hvac ducts are venting under cabinets, if the HRV is not installed properly, if there are electrical code violations, etc, etc, etc, etc, then it gets by the municipal process.

_________________
For Home Inspection services call Andy Shaw at Halton Home Inspection Service. 905 876 4761

A good buyer agent will see right through the marketing crap and point out these exact shortcomings in finished basements while they are taking their buyers through. You forgot my favourite one -- basement bathroom with shower/ but no ceiling fan! we've seen the 'after' picture of those baths a few years down the road and it's not good news at all.

Buying a home is a big deal. Use professionals you trust (Inspectors, Realtors, Lawyers), learn as much as you can, and most of all, hold people accountable.

Thanks for posting this, Andy!