Structural Engineer?

Question

I have built a back porch roof structure over a patio on the back of my house, and the City of Columbus, OH has told me I need a permit (after I built it). I built this from a set of plans I found on the net from a repuitable site. Changing the plans slightly to fit my house.

So I go down to the permit office only to have them tell me that the plans I have are not conventional framing and that I will need them approved by a structural engineer or architech and only then will they issue me a permit for inspection.

My question is, how much is this going to cost? And also, do I have any other options with the City about what to do? I have about $5,000.00 wrapped up in this already, and I'm not looking forward to spending a bunch more money.

Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

well unfortunately you have no choice. Bite the bullet and do what you need to. Shurely you should know better. When building you must always check with the local authority with what you can do and what you cannot.

Sorry this happens even in my country

Answer 2

you can not fight city hall, it will be tough for any inspector to approve something that has already been built, but.....i would try to speak with the inspector and ask that person to assist you by stopping by the site.

usually an inspector will go out of his / her way to assist you, as long as your approach is correct.

Answer 3

I have been in the same situation and I found that it is much easier and cheaper to invite the inspector over to my home for a one on one meeting. make sure to respect the inspector and ask him in the field what is the easiest fix that you and the city can agree upon. The main thing here is to not rattle the inspector or the city, as I can attest to their ability to make your life a living h---l.

It was a hard lesson for me to learn as it cost me $1,500.00

Hope this helps

ROSCoooooooooooooooooooooooo