don't rush. Things will always take longer than your original plans. Don't cancel your appt lease until you know FOR SURE that you have an occupancy permit for the house.

I know exactly how you feel - guilty, po'd, afraid, wondering what you can get away with and also wondering when you'll get a violation notice etc, etc, etc.

Eat well, get some rest. Maybe you can find a nice liquor store that delivers? It's more complicated to be legal, but sleep comes easier.

This phase will be over soon. If your project delays amount to only 3 or 4 weeks, that's doing great.
And for the next 3-4 weeks, you'll be so worried about who's at the door that you won't have time for the traditional torture of second guessing your design.

Cheers!

Oh, bummer. I hope that all the roadblocks clear up in the next few weeks!

So...neither your contractor or subs mentioned your town's SOP for obtaining work orders? Did you have permits for the work already done?

siv, that sucks! Just take it easy have a strong drink and 3/4 weeks will pass quickly. One day at at time and this too shall pass.

MadamG2U

I feel your pain. I went through something similar when we built our shed some years ago. I talked at length with a DOB rep. Turns out she wasn't the right person (and how the heck was I to know that?!?!) and that we did need a permit after all. This unhappy fact surfaced when a building inspector showed up, telling me that someone (likely a city water department meter reader) had reported us for an illegal build! We didn't get a fine, thank goodness. I guess my shocked look and obvious dismay convinced the inspector that we weren't trying to pull a fast one. We paid the permit fee and continued building but I could have done without the panic attack.

Oh Sivyaleah,

((((((((((cyber hugs))))))))))))
You are not the first person to deal with fools at the
state and town permit level. Miscommunication is often
their MO. You are already doing the right thing. Taking
care of details and allowing yourself a fall back plan
of the apartment lease. It can be so frustrating when
you want to move ahead and some red tape is in the way.
This is just a one step forward 2 steps back moment and it
will be okay. You will get the kitchen done.

As far as the Beam? Of course it was there !!! In fact you
are so lucky it is already there. Thank goodness you
checked or you would need to have this approved. But with
the Beam already there you can be comforted about the
wondeful plan for your kitchen. All good.

Positive thoughts, a few good prayers, well wishes, and
any magic I can muster sent your way so this gets done
without any glitches.
~boxerpups

Thank you so much (again) everyone. I'm much calmer than I was a couple of days back.

I spoke with my ex-boss, the architect. My BF went to the house, remeasured the downstairs and there will be plans drawn up so I can bring a professional blueprint with me to bring to the DOB. May as well, as there are a few other things being done in the house besides the kitchen which I don't feel comfortable drawing up.

Then, my understanding of it is - I'll be given the applications for everyone (and I'll do my own for the drywall). Will have to coordinate the subs again to have them fill out their paperwork, and go back to the Building Department to drop it all off. And then, hopefully wait only about a week and voila! Approval.

BTW - as it turns out it does not necessary take 3-4 weeks. That, was a scare tactic from the secretary. The official said they typically get it done in about 5 days once they receive everything but usually say longer "just in case" and this way, they look like a hero if it goes through quickly. Much better!

So, if I'm lucky maybe the whole set-back will only be 2 weeks. Not so bad. And I got the feeling that I do not have to worry about anyone poking around to see inside in the meantime - or even before we begin again.

I am still a bit concerned about that beam, however, as a friend said what I can do is just look the inspector in the eye and say "Hey - do you think I'm that stupid to leave that exposed if we HAD placed that there? Geez, we would have tried to cover it up by now to hide it!"

Hehehe.

Well, you could always go the "existing" route on the plans as far as the beam is concerned.

Because, hey, it's existing now, isn't it?