Well almost.  It is never that easy with the DOB.

While our plans were approved and stamped, the plan examiner would not enter the approval in the computer system until we increased the cost of construction listed on our plans to a much higher amount thereby having to pay additional fees to the DOB.

According to our expeditor the following is our next course of action:

1. We increase the listed cost of construction and pay the additional fee.
2. Hire a contractor registered to perform Alteration Type 1 work.
3. Hire a company to perform the special inspections (this was new to us).
4. After we hire the contractor and inspection company, our expeditor will prepare forms to  submit to the DOB and obtain a work permit for the general construction and structural work.

Why isn’t anything easy with home renovation?  We are still in the process of bidding out the project to contractors.  We are down to two choices and most like it will come down to price.  We are back to picking out design elements and fixtures like sinks and toilets.  While it was once the fun part, now the reality has set in that we are going to actually have to pay for these items, our expensive tastes are getting a rude awakening.

After that crazy rain and hail storm the other week, we noticed a wet spot on the floor of the rental unit.  Just what we needed right now, a leaky roof!  When we had our home inspection, the inspector did point out a few areas to keep an eye on so we were not completely surprised.  The roof is in decent condition and we have been counting on the fact that we wouldn’t need to do any major work to it for at least 2-3 years.

It looks like at some point there was a skylight in the roof that was removed and capped with a piece of plywood when the asphalt roof surface was last replaced. Unfortunately, the crew didn’t do a great job covering the old skylight. Instead of building inclines and running the complete asphalt sheets over the skylight they cut the sheet and spread flashing cement over the seams created. Over the years the flashing cement on the corners has worn down and now there is a small leak.

Lucky for us our architect came to the rescue.  He is something of a waterproofing dynamo.  On Saturday he and I took a trip to Home Depot to pick up some Karnak Flashing Cement and Cotton Fabric.

The fix was easy enough. Using a trowel we simply spread the Karnak across the top and sides of the skylight cover. We laid down the cotton fabric across all the edges–this just gives it some strength. And finally, we put more flashing cement over the tape. He recommended spreading it out away from the edged areas, “like icing a cake” in his words.

Apparently, over time the flashing cement will get harder but never completely harden. This way it can hold the seal while the building flexes between freeze and thaw cycles.

The long-term fix for this is to weld an aluminum cover for the skylight. That sounded a bit expensive but would probably last 20+ years. In the end, this cost us only about $30, 1 hour of work and it should last a few more years.  Not a bad DIY project.