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Old 09-11-2004, 06:44 AM   #1 (permalink)
 
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Has anyone had trouble with city inspectors regarding modular walls as structual change requiring stamped and sealed blue prints? A mere additional $5000,00 in start up costs. We are in too far to back out now and need help with ideas on how to handle city inspectors that have the power to bankrupt us before we open our doors. Our city has a reputation of being the worst to deal with. Since we knew this from the begining we have been talking to them from day one so as to not have too many unexpected suprise requirements to meet in order to get our occupancy permit.Because of what we learned from this we were able to quickly rule out several properties we looked at.We added a special clause to our offer to purchase that put a cap on the cost of meeting the cities requirements.Through the process of going before the common council for a spacial use permit we were given the go ahead with minor repairs required. Now that we are days from closing ,have purchased several beds, equipment ect they making more requirements. We are not sure what ton do. Everyone connected to the wall companys insist we dont have to do it their way just keep refering to the walls as furniture. Someone else told us the wll company would take care bof producinfg the blueprints.Help any advice from experience in this area would be greatly appreciated.
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Old 09-11-2004, 08:07 AM   #2 (permalink)
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Sounds to me like you either ticked someone off,Or someone just does not want you there. I have a buddy up the road that calls the city even if we pick up a paint brush.
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Old 09-11-2004, 09:26 AM   #3 (permalink)
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Tanu is on the ball with that, there's always whistle blowers that make the inspection prcoess a nightmare. If the city wants blueprints, than to be honest I think you have no choice but to get them, fighting with them is useless.
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Old 09-11-2004, 10:52 PM   #4 (permalink)
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THEY WILL ALSO AKS FOR FIRE RATING ETC ETC ETC THEY ARE TROUBLE SO ARE THE WALLS
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Old 09-12-2004, 12:44 AM   #5 (permalink)
 
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The walls are fine. Fire rating? The makers should have specs on that if needed. Since they are not permanant fixtures, why should that matter? Do the inspectors ask how much printer paper you are planning on stocking? Many businesses have cubicles that are made of movable walls, I can't see what the problem could be other than someone trying to impede your progress............... or a newbie inspector trying to make a name for themself?
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Old 09-13-2004, 10:28 AM   #6 (permalink)
 
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Please keep in mind that all building codes are subject to the interpretation of each individual inspector. Bottom line... If your inspector wants a stamped drawing of the modular wall layout, he's entitled to one. He also may want to know that the walls are constucted of materials labeled "Class A" or "Class 1". This is a rating established as fire retardant for an interior finish. Wall coverings, carpeting and many other interior furnishings are Class A rated for safety. Your modular, interior walls also may impede fire egress or cause problems with compliance with ADA regulations.

I'm a manufacturer of modular walls and offer architectural drawings/specifications with my product for about $200.00. A typical cost for a local enginmeer's review and stamp is $250.00 to $500.00 (if the permit drawings and specs are comprehensive). The $5,000.00 cost you reference above is out of line. This permit burden should be bourne in part by your wall supplier. They have an implied responsibility to conform to "reasonable" safety and building code requirements. I would be looking to them for more help. If they're unwilling to do more on your behalf, spread the word so others avoid this product.
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Old 09-13-2004, 12:10 PM   #7 (permalink)
 
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You might want to look around for another architech. $5000 seems way to much. We had our plans done for a 16 bed salon for $2000. That included modular walls, all electrical, and lite grids. We had the same problem with our city and modular walls. Your archeitech could talk to the city as ours did, but it still might not help. Even though your city wants the tax revenue from your salon, the city planning department could care less if you open.

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Old 09-14-2004, 03:56 AM   #8 (permalink)
 
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Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions. We have been busy the last two days calling everyone we know with any connection to the city for help. And we have resigned ourselves to doing it their way from the start instead of fighting a losing battle and jepordizing our opening date.The wall company we were eorking with tried to help without success by calling the inspector.They did not however offer to help with the blue prints.We have decieded since we have to have blue prints we will build the rooms instead of using the modular walls.The $5000 estimate came from 2 separate sources (neither of which was an architech). Weare waiting for 3 firms to get back to us with an actual estimate.I am more concerned with what surprises they will throw at us next. I agree that the codes are open to interpretation but when you are following one inspectors interpretation only to be told the oppisite from the next inspector it gets very frustrating. Again thank you all for you help.
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Old 09-14-2004, 08:57 AM   #9 (permalink)
 
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Ahhhhhhhh, red tape! Isn't it a wonderful thing?
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Old 09-14-2004, 09:48 AM   #10 (permalink)
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Blue prints? Wow - we can just draw a labelled diagram here with dimensions etc. They add what they require. (Of course there are building standards that must be adhered to). However, each inspector has huge personal power. Our first salon - there was a wheelchair accessible washroom already. The inspector said we needed to have 2 washrooms but neither had to be wheelchair accessible. They did not have to be male/female. Nor did they both have to be available to clients. Our new one - 2 washrooms - both require the special toilet but only one has to conform to wheelchair accessible and apparently we can't deny access to clients. The video store next door had to turn off all their neons they'd had made. Their inspector also owns the standards company (do I hear conflict of interest?). We know loads of contractors - building codes are unbelievabale and change every 15 seconds and often have little to do with actual safety. (the walls of a house do not have to be plumb!) Go figure. I guess all the little nazis out there can find happiness in jobs like these.
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