shadesofmauve (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
shadesofmauve) wrote2013-05-21 10:47 am
shadesofmauve) wrote2013-05-21 10:47 am
Entry tags:
I CAN HAS PERMIT
By this point I have a rather odd relationship with the city building officials, pretty much all of whom I think I've met (I look at my little pile of business cards and think GOTTA COLLECT EM ALL). My initial talk with the city about my plans was with an older guy who happily talked about the various issues in the building project and suggested all sorts of things. He argued on my side when I was stymied by The Guy Who Says No. Then I took months being in an emotional funk (and busy with holidays and things), building it all up in my head to something almost insurmountable, before I finally called the City Administrator -- the very top, save for the council -- because I thought he was the next guy up the ladder. I met with him and the actual next guy up the ladder, the head of the planning department, and we worked out a compromise -- and they were totally, totally nice and understanding about it... and clearly disapproving of the incorrect information given to me by The Guy Who Says No. Then yesterday I got a call from another guy I hadn't known existed, who heads up the actual building inspection end, saying he 'had some questions for you, but they won't delay your permit.' Then a call this morning saying the permit was ready even though I still didn't know what the questions were, so off I toddled, ready to be absolutely stumped by something I hadn't considered... and he asked a few questions that were all to make sure that in the places I'd specified overbuilding* I was doing it of my own volition and I hadn't been pressured or mislead by any of his staff. And then he suggested a cheaper way to build the floor, and told me as far as he was concerned I didn't have to use pressure treated lumber and could make a framing/insulation change which may have just saved me, oh, $400.
Then we talked about dogs for awhile, because he googled me, saw I play irish music, and he has an Irish wolfhound. And it turns out he's friends with my boyfriend's boss, because wolfhound people all know each other.
And one of my awesome neighbors came by mid conversation, and I mentioned one of his awesome tools (he has a LASER CUTTER), and the permit guy put his hands on his ears and said "I DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT ANYONE DOES IN THEIR GARAGE." (My neighbor said "Okay, I won't tell you, but I will say I've got a very nice fire extinguisher sitting right next to my tools. Does that help?").
SO.
I HAS PERMIT.
NOW I HAVE TO ACTUALLY DO STUFF OH GODS.
*Building to standards above and beyond that required by code.
no subject
And, okay, that story of talking to him was pretty entertaining. :D
HOORAY!!!!!!!
no subject
no subject
Also, it's looking like I may have some time this summer when I have both the time and energy to come down and pitch in. Unskilled labour, but if you need a bunch of pavers hauled around at some point or something else I can do with minimal instruction, it's very possible I'll be able to help out.
no subject
It's quite possible that at some point I'll need either unskilled labor or labor for easily-teachable tasks. The outdoor stuff in particular should happen later, when it's cooler out -- I don't know if you'll have time then, but I know it's much easier for you than working in the heat. And there's always painting. Heaven knows I could use someone who starts closer to the ceiling than me. :P
For the moment I'm still trying to figure out what steps two and three are, though, and I'm nowhere near "What is step six and where do I need help." It's a kind of excited enthused moderate panic, over here.
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
AWESOME NEWS! Congratulations! And Good Luck!
Wish I was there to offer tools and a an extra body to help, but...err... am here. :)