Amnesty plan offers DIY-headache relief

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/01/2021 (1428 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

AMONG Winnipeggers renowned for appreciating a good deal, there are four words guaranteed to grab attention: “I know a guy.”

That phrase is commonly uttered by a friend who is vouching for someone who can provide a product or service we need. The tip is highly valued, because it has our friend’s personal endorsement.

Sometimes, the recommendation is above board. Perhaps it leads to a mechanic who doesn’t take advantage of customers, or someone who can successfully argue a traffic ticket, or a salesperson of electronic goods who gives insider information about when a desired item is scheduled to go on sale.

Other times, however, the recommendation is less ethical. If the phrase “I know a guy” is delivered with a whisper and a wink, it means our friend is offering us entry to the underground economy that flourishes in Winnipeg. Or so I’ve heard.

Dodgy dealers include someone selling frozen pickerel out of their vehicle’s trunk, or someone who knows how to hijack television streaming services, or an unlicensed tradesperson who will charge less if no receipt is required.

A prime area for bootleg business is home repairs and renovations. Typically, someone who lacks the credentials of reputable workers will do the job at a cheaper rate if the deal is hush-hush, cash only.

But how about building permits? Doesn’t everyone need to get building permits?

When reminded building permits are legally required for much residential work, some homeowners may feel uneasy as they recall how they didn’t bother to get a permit before hiring someone, perhaps a friend of a friend, to build a deck, renovate a basement, or do major electrical or plumbing work.

For building-permit scofflaws, there’s good news: forgiveness and clemency will be forthcoming if Shawn Nason gets his way. The Transcona councillor is pushing for an amnesty program that would excuse penalty fees for homeowners who didn’t get permits.

It would work like this: for a one-year period, fines would be withheld as homeowners get permits on work that is already done but was undocumented. They would also have to ensure the work complies with building codes. His pitch to council’s property and development committee on Jan. 18 ended with the committee ordering a report, expected within three months. Then, city council would decide whether to grant amnesty.

Councillors should just do it. There are solid reasons to give homeowners a one-year grace period to come clean and do the right thing.

The red tape that governs home renovations — building permits, fees and inspections — was never intended as a money-maker. It’s supposed to be about safety. It’s about ensuring the family home doesn’t ignite because helpful cousin Fred goofed as he installed a wood-burning stove while following directions he found on the internet.

If safety is the goal, the amnesty will encourage homeowners to come forward with do-it-yourself projects that were completed with more gung-ho enthusiasm than expertise. It was thoughtful to build a wheelchair ramp at grandma’s home, but the ramp should meet the safety specifications of the permit process so grandma doesn’t take a tumble.

Another reason why council should approve the amnesty is that it can raise awareness of the dangers of the underground economy. Homeowners might think they’re getting a sweet deal by paying less for permit-free jobs, but some undocumented work can invalidate insurance claims and also lessen the home’s value when it’s time to sell.

Publicity surrounding the amnesty will help inform residents of the full extent of projects that require permits. Some people will be surprised to learn even smaller projects may need permits, including some types of decks, fireplaces, sunrooms, hot tubs, air conditioners and basement developments.

It’s a ripe time to remind people about building permits because, thanks to the pandemic, there’s increased interest in home renovations. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the city issued more than 1,700 residential building permits, a 15 per cent increase from the year before. And, of course, that’s not counting the large number of Winnipeggers swinging hammers without first getting permits.

Household isolation has driven many Winnipeggers to think of ways to improve their personal castles. Perhaps family members working or studying from home want a home-based office.

When it comes to the best way to start such renovations, I know a guy. He works at the city’s planning, property and development department and he issues residential building permits.

carl.degurse@freepress.mb.ca

Carl DeGurse is a member of the Free Press editorial board.