A few contractors have wasted enough time tracking down their subcontractors that the contractors gather the information and have it ready, but most don’t have the drill down to a science, and we have to double back from the applications counter to try to get the information, wasting time and gas. It really does hold up the process when we can’t get the basic information on applications. Sadly, some plumbers and electricians don’t take the process of following regulations seriously, and disrespect the architect or expediter’s time. I’ve often had to tell my clients, and even have it written into every agreement, that we don’t prepare electrical or plumbing schematic plans, because they aren’t required for building permits, and 100 percent of the time when we do provide requested wiring or piping plans, they aren’t followed on the construction site, anyway. On commercial projects, with union workers and construction management, there is a very different attitude about following plans and communication.

I rarely have the privilege of speaking with the plumber or electrician about technical issues, even though to do so could save a lot of time and aggravation. So you aren’t being unreasonable to wonder what’s going on, but your annoyance should be directed at the plumber or electrician who “forgot” to renew their license, or who assumed that a license in one jurisdiction is good in another, without checking. With 72 building departments in Nassau County alone, it cannot be assumed.

©2013 Monte Leeper. Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.