Permits and Insurance

You know the answer.

Yes, pull a permit.

RenovationGeorge said:

You know the answer.

Yes, pull a permit.

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And, while you are at it, ask your insurance company if THEY have to inspect and/or otherwise approve the install.

Shari said:

RenovationGeorge said:

You know the answer.

Yes, pull a permit.

Click to expand...

And, while you are at it, ask your insurance company if THEY have to inspect and/or otherwise approve the install.

Click to expand...

X2

BrotherBart said:

Let them tell you that you need one when you call to tell them you are having a wood stove installed.

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I agree. Not to be a pain, but I wouldn't offer any extra info other than I want to insure my stove. Let them tell you what they need.

When I installed my quad the permit was 39 bucks , passed inspection , then faxed approval to ins. company figured rates would go up - no increase . So 39 $ was well worth the piece of mind knowing if we had a fire we are covered-- GET the permit and enjoy !

I wouldn't want to take the chance. The permit here is going to cost me over $300, but still am going to do it.

JoeRJGR said:

Got to make up for that budget short fall in CA somehow!

NJ will probably be close to that too..............................

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Seriously. The powers-that-be should be ashamed of themselves.

When I installed I initially thought "It's none of the local gov'ts business" and was going to install without a permit. Then the insurance company said "Is it permitted". Once again, market demands overrode my desire to be left alone. My install is in the basement- on concrete floor with a cinder block backing, the fire department laughed and spent a whole 15 seconds in my home. Insurance company then came to the house and did their inspection- another 30 seconds with them and I was off and running. At least now I know if there is a fire, I am covered.

When I called my insurance company they said that my fireplace was already included in the policy. There was no requirement about getting a permit for the stove installation but they did recommend getting a professional installer.

Another consideration: If you ever refinance your mortgage, town revaluation, attempt to sell -- there is the possibility that "they" will notice that you now have an extra fireplace that was previously not on the property record and you may end up paying for the permit + potential penalty.

Before I installed stove I went to town hall to find out what the deal is. The person made several calls while I was standing there and said "no, you don't need a permit.". Because I am not venting into the existing chimney. Then I called insurance co (geico) and they said no problem as long as it's being installed by a certified wood stove place. I made sure store was bonded and had credentials. So in one weeks time I was up and running with a good clear conscious. I think geico charges me 10.00 more a month.

I had my stove professionally installed by folks certified in what ever they are certified in. They did not suggest to get a permit and I did not get one.

I had to take a picture of the stove for my insurance company (State Farm). No change in rates. They are free to come and inspect it if they wish. It is installed to code.

madison said:

Another consideration: If you ever refinance your mortgage, town revaluation, attempt to sell -- there is the possibility that "they" will notice that you now have an extra fireplace that was previously not on the property record and you may end up paying for the permit + potential penalty.

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Sure, they may even fine you 10k if we are just going off the rim of our caps.

Remkel said:

When I installed I initially thought "It's none of the local gov'ts business" and was going to install without a permit. Then the insurance company said "Is it permitted". Once again, market demands overrode my desire to be left alone. My install is in the basement- on concrete floor with a cinder block backing, the fire department laughed and spent a whole 15 seconds in my home. Insurance company then came to the house and did their inspection- another 30 seconds with them and I was off and running. At least now I know if there is a fire, I am covered.

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Wow, with an inspection like that a house could never burn down. I would sleep easy.

Point is if you are not sure, get something in writing that was checked. If nothing was checked by your locals, get someone else, a sweep, a professional, whomever to come by and check your install. Don't feel safe because you passed a zero question test. Use your head.

When I called my insurance about my stove , my agent came out took a picture and wrote down the stove model and who was was installed by. My rates did not go up.

Your insurance company may not want to rely on the "expertise" of your codes officer for the weight of the potential liability. They're aware of the requirements and qualifications to be a codes officer in many areas.

Even if you want to pay for a permit to install a stove in your house you'd still want to inform your insurance company. In the event of a fire they may not care a lick that you got a permit but didn't inform them. The repercussion of not getting a permit is having to get one after the fact and possibly a small fine. The repercussion of not informing the insurance company could mean no coverage if your house burns down.

The homeowner does not need a permit to make mods on his own home here. Back when I changed the service on my house from 100a to 200a and then installed an hvac I didnt need to permit anything. I dont see why this stove would be different. I just changed insurance co's and asked the inspector about stoves and fire places and he said he would just have to note it and take pics, and would need the name of the installler. USAA is the ins co

Erie Insurance here, notification took a few minutes. Wanted to know manufacturer and model. Also wanted to know if professionally installed and by who. I had it professionally installed by a well known company. They just said ok, it is noted on your policy. Done.

I would always recommend doing the right thing . . . even if it means getting a permit (although egads -- $300 for a permit in CA -- I would find that one hard to swallow) and even if it means having some bozo (yes, I am one of those bozos who sometimes comes out to look at the install . . . although I would like to think I know a little something about a safe install) look over your install . . . and yes . . . even if it means possibly dealing with the insurance company and their rules and regulations and possible rate hike . . . incidentally . . . if the company tries to increase the premium due to an install there is nothing that says you cannot shop around for a company with better rates.

RenovationGeorge said:

You know the answer.

Yes, pull a permit.

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I don't think he does, that is why he is asking.

And no, he may not need to. It depends on state laws. In Indiana you don't need any sort of permit for work you're doing on your own. E.g. I can build an entire house without a building permit as long as I follow codes and I don't hire any work done. I didn't get a permit to install my fireplace and I didn't break any laws.