Bathroom remodeled without permit : should I get a retroactive permit (Seattle: insurance, condo)

[Doze88]

Hi,
I have had my bathroom renovated earlier this year :
- toilet was replaced
- the tub was changed for a shower : i believe they just screwed flexible pipes to the old water pipes, where the tub valve used to be. The flexible pipes then go through the wall.

My contractor at the time told me that it did not need a permit, but now I doubt it. So first question : does this need a permit ?

Also, I live in a condo building : if there was a leak, who would be responsible? would the insurance pay ? does having a permit play any role ?

If I were to obtain a permit now for this work, How much would I have to tear down so that the inspector can inspect the work ? Would they ask me to remove the shower base ? There are tiles in front of the water connection I described above, but there is also dry wall about 15-20 inches to the right of it : could I just tear the dry wall so that the inspector could inspect from that distance ?

Finally : do you think it is worth getting a permit ?

Thank you all

[CrazyDonkey]

Was he registered? If not sure:

https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/

[Doze88]

I just checked : they are licenced.

[CrazyDonkey]

Then I wouldn't be worried about it. Sounds like there were no changes to the plumbing, wiring, etc., just to the fixtures.

Are you satisfied with the work? Did you get a guarantee?

[Doze88]

not entirely satisfied, but it's ok. I was just worried about the consequences. Thanks for the answer.

[CrazyDonkey]

If insurance doesn't pay out due to no permit, the (registered) contractor would be on the hook, it seems to me. They're expected to know if a permit is required.

Sometimes when you save money, you get less than you had hoped. You can still spend the savings on addressing any deficiencies.

[Doze88]

Thanks for the info CrazyDonkey. I fully agree with your last statement. This was a lesson for me.

[eightbitguy]

Originally Posted by Doze88

Hi,
I have had my bathroom renovated earlier this year :
- toilet was replaced
- the tub was changed for a shower : i believe they just screwed flexible pipes to the old water pipes, where the tub valve used to be. The flexible pipes then go through the wall.

My contractor at the time told me that it did not need a permit, but now I doubt it. So first question : does this need a permit ?

Also, I live in a condo building : if there was a leak, who would be responsible? would the insurance pay ? does having a permit play any role ?

If I were to obtain a permit now for this work, How much would I have to tear down so that the inspector can inspect the work ? Would they ask me to remove the shower base ? There are tiles in front of the water connection I described above, but there is also dry wall about 15-20 inches to the right of it : could I just tear the dry wall so that the inspector could inspect from that distance ?

Finally : do you think it is worth getting a permit ?

Thank you all

If they did anything more than replace a fixture (ie: moving pipes), it requires a plumbing permit.

If your contractor was licensed (and the other post says they were) then they broke the law and may be fined or lose their license.

You need to report this to the city. What's to say they're not cheaping out or doing things not to code under people's noses?

That said, the Seattle inspectors are pretty understanding to this sort of thing. I have an old house (1930s) and there was not enough room between our toilet and our sink (we were short about 2") due to the size of the bathroom and they passed with no questions. Call the Seattle DPD and explain what happened. They'll send an adviser out.