One of the joys of owning a home is the pride of taking on and accomplishing projects around the house. Completing the small must do tasks is rewarding but planning for larger more extensive projects that enhance the beauty and value of your home is titillating. And then it happens. the dream project which is about to become reality is quickly shattered. Shattered by the reality that others have control over what you can do on your property. These people are the local governments.
I had the grand idea to build a pergola in the backyard. After many rough sketches I had a plan and was about to make it happen. Then i decided to call the City to see if permits would be required. I didnt want all my hard work to be ruined by not pulling permits then having code enforcement bully me into tearing the pergola down. Of course permits are required for a nominal fee of almost $300. This fee doesnt include the detail structural and architectural professionally engineered stamped drawings that need to be approved before work can begin. Oh yeah and a survey of the property is needed as well. My little project is now over doubled in price.
Which leads me to ask, do we really own our homes?
I totally understand having an inspector come over and look at the work to ensure safety. But really 5 feet set backs from the property lines (utilities are above ground), fees, numerous inspections to build on MY property.
Very frustrating!!!!!
Hell even without all the permits, and other assorted horse crap you still have to pay property taxes. So no, even though you have been sold the illusion of ownership, you are merely another renter, with a bit more freedom to alter your "living quarters" (I almost said property heh).
ReplyDeleteAnd don't even get me started on Eminent Domain...