| Author |
Message |
    
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 61
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 8:47 pm: | 
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I just got a letter from the Township of South Orange stating that no FINAL INSPECTION has been requested on the electrical building that was done on my house THAT I JUST BOUGHT. It has a new kitchen, and I have a bunch of inspection permits that I can't understand in a file from when we bought the house.
What is my first move? Should I talk to the lawyer that negotiated the purchase? I'm scared to contact the town and admit that I have no idea what they're talking about. I have heard horror stories about people having to rip up and re-do stuff that was never inspected.
I need some help just to sleep tonight... |
Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 1049
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 8:54 pm: |
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First off, don't panic. Electrical can probably be checked out without any major 'ripping up and re-doing'.
Talk to your lawyer for sure. My thought is that you are 100% not-on-the-hook for this stuff.... even IF there's a problem (which there probably isn't) you'll be able to nail the former owner to the wall.
Not literally - don't nail anyone to the wall.
Really man, you're fine. |
Judy
Citizen
Username: Organizeubetter
Post Number: 24
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 10:14 pm: |
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Doesn't the town have to approve the sale -- and shouldn't the town have noticed these open inspections BEFORE they let you go ahead with the sale? Your lawyer should know the answers, but I think you're probably in a better legal position than you think. One house we were negotiating on (in WO) was not going to be approved by the town until the underground oil tank was certified as properly abandoned. South Orange should have been that on top of things. |
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 67
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 10:18 pm: |
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Okay, let me add this. The previous owners moved out-of-state. Also, it passed the inspection by All Pro home Inspectors, for what that's worth to potential home owners who use them. I'll keep you posted.
Case, thanks for the calming post. It almost worked. I think a call to my lawyer and some Guiness will allow me to sleep. Not necessarily in that order. |
Judy
Citizen
Username: Organizeubetter
Post Number: 25
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 10:26 pm: |
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Home insepctors aren't responsible for checking open inspections, just what visible to the eye problems exist (water damage, poor wiring if exposed, plumbing, insulation, settling, rotting boards, roof and general structure condition), and what problems may lie underneath. You may end up holding your attorney responsible. Lawyers must check property liens, and one would assume (and we all know what happens when you •••-u-me), anything legal re the house/property that may exist in the town records. So don't let your lawyer off the hook if they say it's your problem -- get a second legal opinion! |
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 70
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 10:54 pm: |
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OH NOOOOOO! A Second legal opinion! Have I mentioned that the previous owner WAS a lawyer...
Judy, I wasn't looking to blame the inspectors, or the lawyer, but... but... who is responsible for this?
Me?
This is my fear.
J.B. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10423
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 4:37 am: |
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If it says "Final" inspection you are probably ok. This means that the rough electric was inspected and passed, most likely anyway. Look through you file.
The final inspection is pretty much checking that outlets, switches, and light fixtures were installed properly, are grounded and their are no reverse polarity issues.
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Michael K. Mc Kell
Citizen
Username: Greenerose
Post Number: 827
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 6:56 am: |
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Ditto on what Bob K said.
Michael K. Mc Kell
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Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 72
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 7:33 am: |
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Good. There were reversed polarity issues picked up by all pro, which were corrected prior to sale. I'll call the lawyer today. |
Rod
Citizen
Username: Skimrod
Post Number: 111
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 7:44 am: |
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Why not just call and have the final inspection. He will be there for 5 mins.,you will probably pass and then forget about it.If you fail it's maybe a wire or two that has to be changed. really no be deal either way. The inspectors are not out to get you. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10428
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 7:53 am: |
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I agree with Rod. If anything major comes up you can go back to your lawyer or to the electrical contractor, whose name is almost certainly on the paperwork you have. |
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 76
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 10:16 am: |
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Better, calmer heads have prevailed. I will call the town, not the lawyer. Thanks everybody for the advice. |
Two Senses
Citizen
Username: Twosense
Post Number: 406
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 10:53 am: |
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Some states and municipalities require proof of all permits issued for all work done PRIOR to transfer of a deed, forcing compliance. However, New Jersey and S.O. do not. Since you obviously need to close out your open permit, have the inspector visit and then assess whether its worth chasing and blaming anyone else afterwards.
Years ago, a S.O. inspector determined on final inspection that my licensed electrician incorrectly and dangerously wired the GFCI circuit on a whirlpool tub. I instantly became a big fan of construction permits and inspections. |
Judy
Citizen
Username: Organizeubetter
Post Number: 28
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 1:17 pm: |
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I'm glad that others have qualified the Final aspect of the inspection. I was also thinking more about the driveway apron violation on our property that existed when we bought, for which our lawyer made sure the sellers put money into escrow for us. I guess inspections aren't on the same "radar" as violations. Sounds like it'll all work out. |
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