West New York, NJ asked in Construction Law and Contracts for New Jersey

Q: I had a fire back on September 11. Got a contractor to do the work. The problem is that they never took the permits.

I have a stop work order from the township because the of no permits and since is a 3 family home we need the plans to be draw from a professional architect. I want to get out if the contract and find someone else to do the work. But because the contractor has out we have a contract we need to continue with the current work.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers
Morris Leo Greb
Morris Leo Greb
Answered
  • Rockaway, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: You will need to do what is necessary to obtain a building permit. You may an opportunity to file suit against the first contractor under the for violation of the Consumer Protection Law for home improvements. Speak to an attorney.

Matthew Schutz
Matthew Schutz
Answered
  • Flemington, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: Generally speaking, when you contract with a contractor to perform a repair on your home or other building, they agree to perform the work in a workmanlike fashion. Part of that is getting the necessary permits and plans. It appears your contractor isn't bothering.

I would write him and find out what is going to do to get the project back on track. He may be in breach right now, but I would need to see the contract to find out exactly what he promised.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.