the city shut us down (ep.16)

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[@JennaPhipps]

Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code JENNA at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: incogni.com/jenna

[@MystLily]

DUST When your 60 you might say, I wish I'd worn my dust mask because what was flying up our noses was toxic to our lungs or other bits PS taking out those last lot of nails to get your floor perfect is a wonderful feeling

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

Dear Jenna, By splitting the costs the way you do you might end up with paid bills and Nick with a paid house if you ever break up! If you stay together forever it doesn't matter if you change this into each of you paying half of everything. But if you break up you will be on the safe side. And if Nick loves you he should watch out for you and agree to rearrange it. And if he doesn't love you, well, then it is even more necessary to make the change!!!

[@Kinda_gayngl]

JENNA YOU’RE ON THE NEWS!! I just saw you on cbs Vancouver and was like “hey I’ve been watching them” lol

[@WinsVideos]

Didn't realize that you are American until this ad.

[@sintay8002]

For ladder safety you should have a laddie long enough to at least extend 3 feet past the roof. You don’t want it sliding in knocking y’all on the ground. Also if you can you guys should try and tie the ladder down when carrying heavy stuff up the ladder, though I am glad you at least held the ladder, but it can be quite dangerous. Please be safe.

[@JennaPhipps]

Just to clarify, the reason why I am sharing this is because I want to share the entire journey of renovating this home, even if it doesn't make us look great. I want to share the successes, the fails, the disappointments and the mistakes as they are all part of renovating a home. We are not perfect and we are learning every day. Thank you everyone for all the support, you make this series possible by watching our videos each week. See you all next week ❤

[@marloespeters8404]

Thank you for sharing everything !

[@IchigoGhost]

Jenna, we will always love each video you make. And we will support you 100%

[@shyla1515]

Keep on keeping on team!!!!

[@gigiw.7650]

I love your videos! Real life. 😂❤

[@lemons_s]

Thanks for sharing. Interesting in seeing the whole journey through its ups and downs.

[@Graeme408]

I RENOVATED TWO OLD HOUSES: My work around for the permitting hassle is that I always included a letter from an engineer friend that what I want to replace/repair is a hazardous condition and must be replaced to prevent injury or further collapse. Or words to that effect. No one in the permitting department was to be put in the situation where they caused an accident.

[@armorclasshero2103]

^ this right here. No one wants to be caught holding the liability hot potato.

[@freedomforusa1658]

Do it.

[@eugenia_in_blue]

This is very clever!

[@vladeckk21]

Also true! It’s not like you’re gaming the system

[@Apocy2000]

Yup, can confirm.

[@deannarohn7313]

Speaking as a roofing company manager, I would recommend you take some of the wood you have laying around, place them in different areas on the tarp and nail them down, you're putting a new roof on anyway and it will protect you from the liability of something flying off the roof and causing damage or hurting someone, it will also prevent the tarp from flying up and possibly off the roof completely.

[@Simon-dm8zv]

Wouldn't that cause leaks in the tarp?

[@robertomercado8311]

@@Simon-dm8zv that would be minimum or almost nothing. Wooden planks should not be left loose on a roof. That's a hazard issue.

[@notright7]

The thing is, is that this city could be held liable for not approving something that is a known danger and needs to be fixed.

[@gabrielbehrend7625]

Your young lungs are gonna hate you when your older for not using dust masks during all that toxic demolition coming from a 30 yr vet in construction

[@robertomercado8311]

@@gabrielbehrend7625 indeed they are just posing for their fan base regardless of their health or safety consequences.

[@kevinbrandt7606]

work in Texas as a home builder and from time to time we do refabs. When I see water damage at that level, I'm calling my engineer and every time he says dry wall will hide the truth, take it down so we can take pictures of the damaged area or areas. Now with the roof that's another story. Yall might want to take pics of the roof without the tarps on, it's a hassle but well worth it. Or get another engineer to help y'all out. If that doesn't work start calling your local councilmen or go to the TV station about this. Just because there is an abondance of idiots working at your permit office doesn't mean the story can't be told a different way. I hope everything works out for you both. Love the videos

[@rustyneedles3743]

"or go to the TV station about this" ... lol, stfu

[@kathyw7143]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! It's funny the house was basically falling down when you bought it and that was ok with the city. But let you go and pay for permits to better it and they shut you down.smh

[@nylapierce1719]

Yeah it's weird. But the city must have it's money. Does it have to be so expensive though?! I get it that houses must be safe and not an eyesore. But please make it easier for the average person to get the permits to renovate! We have that same problem here in California.

[@mauricepowers3804]

Get a lawyer!!!!!

[@roseybeesley4110]

If you have bought it, then it’s your property why let corporations government = means service corporation tell you what to do with your property it’s none of their business what you do to your property. Legal doesn’t apply to man or women unless you consent to it or contract with them. They have no rights over your property. Find out the difference between legal and lawful

[@jhelotes5627]

Anyone can purchase a fixer upper. That’s not the city’s concern. Permits ensure safety and compliance for the current owners and any future new owners. Jenna and Nick will complete their home after going through the proper channels, like everyone else must do. A learning lesson.

[@kristinajackson9606]

Your comment makes no sense. Before Jenna bought it, the previous owner would have been responsible for any damages caused by a dilapidated home, and the cite (county) has no power to tell you to keep your home well maintained. However, once you want to improve it to the point where you need permits, they are now invested and required to keep you and your neighbors safe. Why? Because the average Joe is clueless on how to do things safely so the community needs the building department to keep them safe from the crazy guy who wants to demo his house with WWII TNT. The building department plays the roll of the logical parent when your crazy uncle Joe wants to blow up the entire neighborhood.

[@erinstenback475]

The fact that cities make it so hard to remake old homes is so dumb to me. That house was a hazard and all you guys are trying to do is fix it .

[@maryhduke2307]

Hazard = Safety issues. Permits ensure safety of new construction. If you demo over 50%, more stringent rules apply. Important to safety and long term building value and ocvupancy potent8al to secure permits.

[@Shelbzz]

Agreed with MaryHDuke2307. Permits are a PITA, BUT they’re supposed to make sure houses don’t fall into disrepair like this again.

[@leeluvslife]

@@maryhduke2307 we always find ways to justify the government's complete overreach into every aspect of our lives.

[@MythsofVirgo]

@@leeluvslifeoh please. This is one of the few times where the government is actually doing its job. A few hiccups along the way is not going to stop them from renovating their home. They just need to go through the proper channels to ensure that everyone is safe.

[@grammaurai6843]

​@@maryhduke2307and they can do that in a much more streamlined way than requiring five different submissions with no direction of how to correct it or established timeline for approval/denial.

[@elscheib]

"I'm sure everyone watching... Also would have never guessed" is Canadian politeness for "why'd you have go and tell the whole internet I'm wearing women's pants?" 😂😂😂

[@secret_badass]

I feel like Nick’s the kind of man who isn’t threatened by having people know he’s wearing women’s pants.

[@elscheib]

@@secret_badass I totally agree. But the look on his face still said it. 😂

[@jamiejoygatto]

@@secret_badass Right? I think women's pants are pants that a woman is wearing. Almost all of us humans have two legs! hahaha

[@MichaelArlt]

Since there are men wearing kilts (kinda skirts) I would say men can wear everything and look amazing, right? 😂

[@elscheib]

@@MichaelArlt I fully support men wearing anything they want to, or nothing at all. 👍🏻

[@debbieambrose7113]

For your roof... Since it needs replaced, the best would be to nail down those boards to hold down the tarp. You'd need to figure out where the roof beams are, so they are being nailed down correctly. I saw this a lot after Hurricanes in the south because there are so many homes that need work they can't get to them right away. You'd need a piece of wood nailed down about every 1-2 feet, so the tarp doesn't get wind under it and make holes. This would keep stuff from falling off the roof. There's a chance that something will fly off and land and break the window. This won't cause any more damage than the house as already sustained from being vacant for so long.

[@Leslie-wb8cb]

Aw, man, it's too bad that whole skip of wood has already been picked up! That wall tongue in groove would have been good to use for that.

[@bluesasquatchhemp]

Get your city councillor involved! :) it’s part of their job.

[@norafleming8304]

YES!!! I was coming here to say this. Your City Councilor is there to help when the Municipal policies don't work and are causing trouble for citizens.

[@iangrant4756]

Might be time to contact a lawyer, too. The right lawyer often knows how to circumvent the nonsense.

[@robertomercado8311]

@@norafleming8304 That's not going to resolve their immediate situation. What they need to do is to hire a construction crew to make the permit process easier.

[@robertomercado8311]

@@iangrant4756 That actually is going to make things worst. It will not expedite anything and is gonna be expensive!

[@hashkat]

haha yeah! get a city councilor involved so they can... agree with the building department? what else would they do accept agree? anyone who has done any sort work in this industry or in municipal government anywhere across north america would expect this obvious outcome.

[@cythatnerd]

If the city keeps jerking y'all around with permits get the news involved! I know y'all already got interviewed so the station would probably love to do a follow-up, and a story about how the city isn't working properly to help not just their citizens but a rather prominent one is right up their alley!

[@comeradecoyote]

They’re in the wrong here. They began work without permits. The city very well could have fined them for doing un permitted work. Their lack of a plan for addressing the structural issues as well as a plan of work is negligent. An engineer or architect would do exploratory tests to determine the building condition (and if existing drawings were available, make modifications without substantial work). Said architects and engineers would also submit plans to the municipality and resolve any conflicts. Going it alone without the aid of professionals was hubris.

[@tomjoad1363]

@@comeradecoyote As she said, no engineer nor architects could see the strucute and its damages until they removed all the plaster boards.

[@forgetn]

@@comeradecoyote what are you talking about...this is not communist Merica, it's Canada! We can do "extensive refit" without a permit, you can ABSOLUTEY remove drywall. Drywall is not structural. What you cannot do is do structural work without a permit.

[@JanakiBananaki]

@@comeradecoyote she stated they did their research and asked multiple city employees all the questions. If they ended up in court, they could probably prove they did their due-diligence to mine information on how to go about the renovation.

[@justSunny7]

They were on the news. I saw the video yesterday

[@tetedur377]

A shingle removal tool might help with that subflooring. Sometimes called a shingle shovel, or a shingle snake, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but are typically used in a shovel-like motion to scrape shingles off roofs.

[@tyrelirwin]

second this

[@Jor-El-Earth1]

Came here to say this

[@mitchgross592]

Fines are usually issued when someone shows bad intent or flagrant disregard for regulations, neither of which is true here. The main point is that you are trying your best to do everything right and navigate the system, which can be clearly demonstrated. Now it’s time to get someone with authority involved, like scheduling a meeting with the county supervisor or your local council person. You go in with your plans and documentation from your engineer, show them that this structure is otherwise in danger of becoming a hazard to the community and then plead that you’re just trying to follow the rules to rescue the building. No one needs to threaten they just need an advocate, and suddenly all the hurdles can melt away.

[@dariansprenkels2303]

That tar paper did a good job of protecting your subfloor from rotting.

[@bipolartorecovery1485]

Im concerned theres some stealth asbestos in it. When they are back up and running they need to keep wearing masks

[@latteslettersandlife]

This Series has now become my happy place. It kills me they are shutting you down for fixing something.

[@crystalcharee57]

Same

[@jeryncambrah]

same :/ i look forward to every Wednesday, i'm living vicariously

[@mrmotofy]

Permission LOL

[@CrochetByJ]

Did anyone else see that Jenna and Nick were featured on a news broadcast?? They truly deserve the recognition as they are working so hard, being so brave to do this, and most importantly, putting as much positivity as they can into the world despite the challenges they have faced along the way. Jenna I have loved seeing you go from sewing, to crocheting wardrobes, to renovating your own house, and I absolutely cannot wait to see where this journey takes you. ❤

[@InvisibleWarrior279]

Municipalities should be ENCOURAGING restoration projects not just more boring new build McMansion suburbs. UGH!!!

[@Tobyandhistoys]

You should put a time capsule in the house, before you board up the walls put in pics of the house before and after you renovat it so that the next owners will find it and it will be so cool

[@Lbennett5682]

The next owners will most likely be their children

[@RandyAndNorma]

What an awesome idea. Could be a surprise for their great great grandchildren 🎉😊

[@rainbowdashbutterfly]

Love the idea! My parents did it here at our house. Gotta Google how to put capsule in wall after wall is up tho

[@High12083]

Most of the history is been destroyed

[@RandyAndNorma]

@High12083 it could be picture's of what the house used to look like, the renovation, and some of what they did to it🤔 letter on how they became the owners and their journeys? Just some suggestions 🤔 😊 🤗

[@deanag3402]

🌷Hi Jenna & Nick I saw the interview the two of you did on CBC Vancouver , you guys were great!!!! I hope they continue to check in on you from time to time. I wish you nothing but the best 🌷

[@tammyr2966]

I saw that too! Very cool!

[@derekroulston1977]

Do you have a link to it?

[@apopiel212]

I watched it lastnight!

[@apopiel212]

​@@derekroulston1977kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp64d4SqjseNiassi=k3BDrRNQzlQRicdT

[@trish3553]

I love how supportive and encouraging he is, like he rips up half a sheet and she has removed 3 nails and he says "that's awesome, well done" without being a sarcastic prick about it, just all love

[@justin_time]

When manufactured homes are delivered, they often come wrapped with massive pieces of plastic (like 60 ft x 40 ft), and after they are unwrapped the plastic is often thrown out. One of those sheets might cover your entire roof [rooves?]. If you can reach out to any local companies that deliver manufactured homes, you might be able to score some of those large plastic sheets for free and use them as extra covering for your home until the permits go through. Best of luck with all of the next phases of the renovation!

[@aaronhogan2371]

Ex advertising billboards are great for large tarps.

[@BarbaraDr2023]

Yes

[@sherryharnish1336]

Jenna when you kick the floor wood, it speaks volumes of every home owner trying to renovate their homes. The frustration we all go through. You guys are doing a great job. 🎉

[@hummingbird8641]

Since you are filming, it makes it soooo easy for the city to watch and see any shortcuts or mistakes. It also makes a huge difference who you get for permit review and inspections. Some are easy to work with and others seem to make their own rules and will change what they tell you randomly. Super frustrating.

[@georgiacorey954]

I saw your media interview & realized you had been keeping Nicky's Engineering & reno experience from us, way to go on building suspense & making interesting content. Then the beginning of this video had me rofl when you said you threw the piano in the dumpster. Then I was so sad to hear the city gave you notice to "Stop Work." You two have busted your backs on this project. I so want to see you two get a win on this project. Successful videos, beautiful home, amazing career. I Iove it when people work hard & win! So in your interview, you said the Realtor had it listed as a "tear down." Do u think thats what the city is going to tell you to do? This is crazy. Best wishes to you kiddos!

[@brittawrolson5936]

With the shortage of homes available, why does your city have such RIDICULOUS bureaucratic permit processes? I get that they want to ensure renovations are done safely and environmentally friendly, but to to put ‘stop work’ restrictions on this home which was in danger of collapse and rotting away is CRAZY. As this couple say, in order for architects and engineers to determine whether the structure is safe and to code, they need to see beneath the cosmetic surfaces. Every step of the cleanup has been documented, so there is no hiding anything. The same can not be said for many newer homes where shortcuts are done by contractors who are looking to build as fast and as cheap as possible.

[@2kblueberries]

I feel your frustration with the city’s permit system. Blah! Enjoying your renovating journey. Love how well you both work together!! ***As a person who took her knees for granted & am now paying the piper -- Here’s my two cents: Please take care of your knees. The knee pads are goofy, but really do help save your knees for when you are older and getting creaky. Also love your knitting, crocheting, creating videos😊

[@SM-wr8ld]

Also wear your masks more! Spray that black mold as soon as you see it! We want to watch it all! No matter how trivial you may think it is, we still want to watch it! Love you guys!

[@chickybluetherealone]

Well city, cat's out of the bag, you better get on it. Since publicized on CBC Vancouver ~ Me and perhaps many more are now invested in this project. Good luck with your permit and roof.

[@morganunraveled]

on the bright side of all this… your future livingroom view is absolutely INSANE now! a dream! mountains, pines, and ocean will be your forever view at the end of all this stress and hard work 🌞

[@vincentstivali1561]

the city was fine with it for all those yrs, now it's a problem???? unbelievable, just a hiccup in the house renovation process.u guys r doing a fantastic job it's going to b outstanding! don't get discouraged

[@jaybee4118]

They weren’t aware of it, they wouldn’t have been fine with it. It was the “fault” of the previous house owner if it fell down on him as he let it get that way (I’m not giving blame, stuff happens). With new work, the fault lies with the local government off the house falls on them as they were the ones to allow it. If they let something unsafe go ahead, they can be sued, so they take extra care. It’s annoying, sometimes the system doesn’t work as it should, but it’s the one they have. If they want it to change, then vote. But be aware, when regulations are removed, people get hurt. Other people want someone to blame and so people get sued. That’s when regulations get reintroduced. It all sucks because human beings aren’t perfect.

[@TessaAvonlea]

​@@jaybee4118Please can you explain why you would be in a position to sue the city if your own house fell on you? What happened to personal responsibility? This is absolutely not a thing in my country.

[@atikahrockslikecrazy]

​@@TessaAvonlea because you need their okay to renovate. So if it falls on them, it's the city's fault for allowing it to happen. Everything has to follow code

[@TessaAvonlea]

@@atikahrockslikecrazy why would the city be responsible if YOU do something which causes YOUR house to fall down on you?

[@Romona-fz6xr]

It's been more than two years and we are still waiting for the permits to fix our apartment. In the meantime I'm dying because I can't get any rest in my son's house. I told my son that I'm running out of time. 😢 Cities are crazy

[@lb6110]

believe it or not, although permits are acquired through your local city/municipality along with the lengthy waiting time to receive one, this permit issue actually exceeds the local government and lies with the Federal government who legislates to each. This is exactly what Pierre Poilievre has been hassling Trudeau about for months as him being ultimately responsible for Canadians having to wait unnecessarily endlessly for building permits!! I am not a politician, but I know who I won't be voting for come next election!!

[@shaliekk]

I love how patient you are with eachother. It's really beautiful to watch. ❤

[@LoversLane16]

I agree, they are a great team. My boyfriend and I would def break up over a project like that, we struggle to work together, we always think our idea is better than the other's haha

[@lgrillo]

I adore this couple. They are so sunny and supportive of each other with an incredible “can-do” attitude. The best. The very best.

[@aburner2944]

So, my seven year old Leo was introduced to your project today, with this episode. At a point you loaded the subfloor bits into the bin. He sees this and says, “why don’t you take some of that garbage wood and build a ramp to get the wheel barrow into the bin?” So, I’m posting it here! Keep up the amazing project!

[@denisebunker6674]

Get your local media involved. Both T.V., newspaper and radio. The city will look silly to make you wait.

[@SuitedSkaterLion]

She already been on a KZbin News chanel!

[@vickinoeske1154]

Absolutely! Make the City look like the bureaucratic bullies that they are AND get the community on your side. Maybe even some sponsors.

[@caiti5637]

​@@vickinoeske1154exactly!

[@C.J.33]

@@SuitedSkaterLion What channel is that on? I'd like to watch it.

[@ithinkdoyou]

Only because the city won't come out and say yeah "because they fucked their application so badly 5 times that it was not even reviewed" When the first glance gets your application rejected it is a you problem (eg you are failing at the basics to get you application processed) not a system problem (eg the system wants too much info or a stupid level of engineering). That it has been rejected the next day 5 times is not the city's fault, and while I'm enjoying the series, the fans pretending that building safety isn't important which is what y'all are doing is kinda pathetic and speaks poorly for y'all and your critical thinking.

[@golfcart34]

Thank you for documenting both your successes and failures as you go thru this process. I think it’s important to show both sides of the coin because some people may not realize how much goes into a project like what you took on. I remember when I was renovating a house in Vermont my contractor told me before he put the windows in to go to the town clerk and get a permit. I went down to the town clerk and she said as long as I’m not changing the outside footprint of the house I could do whatever I needed to without a permit. That included both window replacements and the roof! Vermont was one of those states where in some towns you could pretty much build a house without a permit and in others you’d need one to hang up a mailbox. On the flip side, my dad is renovating an old house in New Hampshire (he’s a retired engineer so it keeps him out of trouble) and he’s run into permitting issues himself so he completely understands your frustrations. He ended up making friends with contractors in the area who told him exactly what to write on his application to get the permits approved and that was super helpful. I mean, I get why different municipalities have different requirements for permits and stuff, but you also shouldn’t need doctorates in law, structural engineering, and landscape architecture to get a permit to replace your roof. Have you considered hiring a local attorney who specializes in real estate/land issues or a local contractor to help advise you on the permits? You’d still be able to do the work yourself but having that ally on your side might be beneficial since they’d know the nuances of the permit process so you don’t have to keep spending the money to just keep getting turned down.

[@Hartsikasvo]

With the mountains and mountains of magical mid century floordust that was pillowing up. I was screaming for you two to wear respirators

[@shaunmac7143]

I waited 7 months for my permit to renovate my little bungalow in Vancouver to add another level... Most of the issues were regarding the drawings details and little silly dimensions between houses and overall heights and specifics about the living spaces. The permit gets sent through a few departments that don't speak to each other which is totally bass ackwards and takes forever :( Our architect was fabulous but the structural engineer was ridiculous and impossibly stubborn. Finding the balance between them and the city was what took most of time as well as me not knowing the tricks or loopholes to get the drawings approved to move to the next stage. I feel your frustration. Also, you have every right to get in there and demo some stuff prior to permits issued. It's common place to do so. Love the progress this far and don't get discouraged. it'll happen :)

[@forgetn]

Honestly Jenna right now the city's biggest problem is that the permit department look like a bunch of Morons. Morons don't like it when it is obvious that they are morons. Right now the head of the permit office in your town (which may or may not be Vancouver), has probably seen your videos and is realizing that your house is more complex than normal renovations. I am sure that you have both a structural engineer and an architect involved. it is possible that your architect is not the "right guy" but there needs to be a real conversation. The fact that the city told you that you are only allowed to "move furniture" is complete and utter horseshit, which confirms that the problem is deeper. good luck and don't give up. You did everything right, the truth is that for a structural engineer to draw plans he needed to see the structure...

[@susannam.9300]

Calling people you don't know morons is rude.

[@mayflame1593]

@@susannam.9300 I think they're calling the governments renovation laws and permit system moronic more so than individual people

[@jenthulhu]

@@susannam.9300 I would argue that allowing a homeowner to reapply for a permit 2+ times without explaining, in detail, exactly what needs to be done instead of constantly changing the bar is indeed moronic. It makes no sense. It sounds like they're getting different answers from different individuals in the same office and that should NOT be happening.

[@hashkat]

This is not a complex renovation. And in this case, the City is actually doing their job as the bylaws state, obviously in good faith. Anyone who actually works in this industry absolutly agrees with this outcome

[@jonathansage2147]

​@@jenthulhuI did a similarly complex renovation working with an experienced general contractor and it took many many permit revisions and 6 months to get through the whole process. It's annoying, but not unusual at all.

[@speyerboot]

my dads a contractor and always told me "its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission" when it comes to permits and dealing with the state lol. You guys did everything the right way so i cant imagine it coming back too harshly lol

[@yunglynda1326]

this!!

[@miamongosssss4228]

There was a guy in my nearest city that built a massive building almost like a warehouse with multiple floors, the city would not have given him a permit if he asked. Now he has to pay a $5000 fine and plant trees so other people don’t have to see the unappealing building but eitherwise he can keep it. 😂

[@StonemanRocks]

There was a guy here who built a 4 plex without a permit! The city made him tear it down right after it was built! How he thought he could get away with it is beyond me!

[@Grief111]

Ya my recommendation is to keep working but be a bit more stealthy. Most City employees I've worked with aren't going to go out of their way looking to cause you issues.

[@Mystic_Light]

No. It's Vancouver, Canada. They don't mess around here. They'll board up your house and put a locked fence around it if you ignore the stop work order that you'll receive for doing work without permits. You'll also receive a hefty fine. They'll force you to undo the work, fine you heavily, or take your house through expropriation. It's not worth making your city departments angry with you.

[@lollybowser]

My uncles bought a 1900s house that had a hideous non original barn/garage/log storage attached to it. They asked for permission to tear it down and expand the house but got told they could only renovate, no tearing down or building allowed. So they did, they "renovated" every brick they removed by putting a new one in its place, same with every roof tile. The new structure takes up the exact space as the old structure did but now it's actually well made and usable.

[@Elmerphant]

Wild 😂 Of course you're sharing this. It's a huge part of reno. So many hurdles and red tape and set backs. It's very confusing for people, frustrating, and can be quite expensive. People have to know the full story so they don't think something like this is easy breeze. It takes a ton of hard work, a mountain of money, and insane patience.

[@chrishultgren777]

when you discover you don't actually own your property. You're just renting from the municipality.

[@leeluvslife]

You'd think as human citizens of the earth, we'd be entitled to live on a little piece of land somewhere for free. Seems like the most basic of human rights.

[@Brightfantasy]

I mean, yeah it sucks and is annoying, but they have neighbors homes around them. The city has to account for the safety of all the homes if this one should fall down due to construction mishaps. It’s not just a matter of the city controlling you. Still, this much red tape is ridiculous.

[@armorclasshero2103]

​@@leeluvslife shelter is a human right. Renovating a building is not.

[@sheelfjohnson]

​@@leeluvslifeYou'd still need some kind of title to show who owns which piece of land.

[@audrab27]

​@@leeluvslifeyou may want to go talk to some Native Americans

[@AbbreviatedReviews]

From the city's perspective, if the house falls down and no one is in it, then it's just a financial issue that the owner has to take care of. If the house falls down and you're in there and the city allowed you to be in there, then they're at risk of liability. They're always going to fight the part where they could face liability. The challenge, of course, is getting through all the red tape to get to that point. Hopefully it's resolved now that you're getting some attention.

[@kirsiloponen6862]

Thank you for explaining, I was really confused about needing a permit to tear down dry wall or floor covering. Of course it's infuriating when you don't get proper advice from the ones that are supposed to know how to proceed. I hope Jenna can get an engineer to do the inspection soon, so they can continue working.

[@MeganDinerman]

But now the city has created a situation where you’re allowed to BE in a structurally unsound house, you just aren’t allowed to FIX the structurally unsound house, which is really effed up.

[@AbbreviatedReviews]

@@MeganDinerman The city didn't really create the situation. They just weren't supposed to do most of the things they did without permits. While they were allowed to clean out things in the house, removing walls, plumbing, and electrical all require permits there. As well as structural repairs. I don't know all of the details of the region's laws, but I do know one of the issues with Vancouver's housing shortage is the amount of difficulty there is in getting construction permits.

[@ccolivardia]

The way you’re describing it, at least to my mind gives even more reason the house needs an inspection and permits to have structural work done. Regardless of the work they’ve done, and if they’re in the house or not, the house is on a mountain and has homes directly below where falling debris could cause damage and injury. There’s liability on either side for a house that should have been borderline condemned. Remediation should be at the top of the list to ensure the structure is sound.

[@susannam.9300]

@@ccolivardia You hit the nail on the head here. It's not just THEIR liability, it's the liability of the other homes surrounding them.

[@ingridhendy5922]

It took us 6 months before our city gave us the permit to replace the roof on our abandoned house and 9 months before they turned our water one - which they only did because the city had just lost a major lawsuit for illegal taxation on water usage and we were the least of the water department problems. We collected rainwater in kids paddling pools and fought raccoons for 6 months

[@abcde8295]

It looks like you guys never fight🫠 i mean.. i know social is not the whole truth but your energy to eachother is so chill, kind and supportive

[@brookolson2194]

I couldn't get myself to watch you work until I skipped to the end to make sure everything was ok 😭

[@Lyssaapaigee]

Me too!! I’ll be rewatching later but I thought they were going to make them tear the whole thing down

[@joannevdm6437]

The City needs to provide clear guidelines . Meet with them to discuss this. You are doing a great job !!

[@snoarkal7768]

The person doing the flooring was defiantly paid by the nail

[@laurenbarrie1959]

I think my favorite part of this series is just the positive mindsets you and him both maintain. You both work so well together, are so supportive and so good at communicating which is how a couple should be so hats of to you guys!! ❤️❤️ I love watching how well you both work together push eachother to be better❤️

[@DeborahWaltenburg]

Not all the way through, but for the love of all things holy and the safety of your persons, WEAR MASKS - ripping up all that flooring ... The dust, the pathogens, the eww, it's going to make you ill!!!

[@AmandaBaker-qy7cr]

Your channel is a hidden gem, glad I stumbled upon it!

[@Teerae11]

I appreciate you & Nick sharing this journey you are on , there is nothing to b ashamed of, everything you have posted so far is great , love the explanation of things , Nick's fun facts, jenna ur attire, ur funny, things happen but will get resolved soon !! Wishing you the best !!

[@minime7375]

I recently watched a political commentator’s video about regulations in Canada and I thought she was exaggerating. Watching this series I realize she wasn’t. Let me get this straight….so someone buys a derelict house, cleans up the yard, brings the house back to the studs….and they have to apply and get denied over and over to replace the roof? A roof that is 100% a safety hazard. And you can’t replace the floor in your own house. That is beyond ridiculous, why do you even need permits for renovating? If you respect the structural requirements and keep the general aspect of the house, this should be easily solved by an inspection to see the state of the house then an inspection to check the results. Or request a project manager to present documentation and pictures from the stages of renovation. I don’t get how the local councils function, do they actually do anything?

[@oliver9089]

Welcome to Canada

[@1818Pancakes]

I helped my parents Reno a fixer upper and dealing with the bureaucracy of permits and inspectors was a nightmare. I can't imagine doing a full Reno on a property you are planning moving in asap and you buy it unlivable. If your reading this and your planning a project add a year to your timeline 😬

[@celticphoenix2579]

Add three to be safe. Better to have the buffer and not need it than need it and not have it. We had a one year buffer and had it decimated in five months. Mostly plumbing issues.

[@julien2912]

I don't think she's ever said that they intended on trying to move into it asap. As a matter of fact I think she said she was fairly sure it would take them over a year to remodel this place. And then two weeks ago she did an interview with the local news channel call CBC Vancouver and she told them it was going to take at least 2 years to get that house to a livable state where they could move into it.

[@jaclynelise2966]

I will never understand why cities have to make it so dang difficult for people. I’m currently going through the same thing with permits. Like you would think they would be happy people are taking care of the eyesores and improving property values.

[@comeradecoyote]

They make it difficult, because people who don’t always know what they’re doing, can make mistakes that wind up deadly. An improperly wired circuit can burn a house down. A load bearing beam thats removed can cause a collapse. It’s in the public interest to avoid unnecessary death and injury.

[@sdfopsdmsdofjmp7863]

Because the city doesn't want to end up liable for property damage or injuries caused by them not doing their due diligence on permit requests, leading to sub-part buildings. Now I'm absolutely certain that Jenna and Nick are doing it well, but there is always going to be that one idiot that reads building code as building suggestion and causes a house to collapse, leaving the city with the possibility of being sued for not issuing permits correctly.

[@ChrisWijtmans]

@@comeradecoyote you pretend like the city cares about any of that.

[@jaclynelise2966]

@@ChrisWijtmans right and they shut you down even when you hire pros, which we did.

[@muskaos]

They make it difficult because they can't get graft and payoffs if they make it easy. Graft and corruption is why government bureaucracies exist in the first place.

[@Alteredforever]

Your situation is so relatable to me, I did a small remodel on my business and also got shut down. Thankfully my brother is a general contractor and was able to help us with all the city stuff. Thank you for sharing this journey, it’s a delight to watch the process 😊

[@albuszx]

This situation with the city is soooooooo infuriating!!!! Virtual hugs to you guys, you're doing amazing work to preserve this beautiful house, we all (and your lovely neighbours, it seems!) are here rooting for you. I personally hope you find an engineer who just ROCKS and gets the paperwork going smoothly and safely

[@logandodson1484]

Am I missing something? If you guys are working with licensed/bonded tradesmen to rebuild/rehab your roof, why is the city denying your permit? Don’t they want this structure stabilized? I don’t live in CA, but in the US, getting a permit with the local municipality is not this difficult. ALSO, isn’t this kind of an exigent issue - this is the structure’s roof!?

[@ffiggy]

yeah canada is a bureaucratic nightmare as far as I'm aware

[@armorclasshero2103]

Not all tradesmen are properly licensed

[@meganlaynecrafts]

Also, not all cities in the US are easy to get permits from. Some make it just as hard.

[@Necamex17]

Much like the other comment said, anything government related in Canada is a beaurocratic BS nightmare; federal, provincial and even especially municipal sometimes. Even something simple like changing names on a car registration can have you making 4 different visits to your province’s DMV equivalent because each time after 12 different “do I need anything else’s?”there will still be another form to fill or documentation to go get until the cows come home. Sometimes things that should be long and complex you might luck out and it takes 5 minutes, sometimes you’re on the phone for 4 hours arguing with the CRA because they revised your tax filing and claimed something FOR YOU that you are ineligible for and you have to force them to take the extra money back so they don’t commit tax fraud on your behalf lol

[@AnniCarlsson]

They have rules how and why it should be allowed to do some work when house is old enoth. The city need according to laws so much info and sometimes just not to clear what they want in total and it become several attemps thats take time and frustrsting like hell. It would be so much easier if they just had a list this is what we want. If you provide all this info and that show us this we say yes. But it never that easy

[@luckygoldfish5331]

My favorite part, * Nick pulls up entire floor panel * Jenna: I pulled three nails 😂😂😂

[@plumbobmillionaire6246]

I stopped doing work in west van because of all the difficulties dealing with the planning department. Cool project and best of luck

[@ariliving]

I thoroughly am enjoying this renovation and the banter between you both ❤ excited to see the end but also excited for the journey! So glad I found ya all!!

[@doctor_oljb]

I seriously need a playlist of the music that you use in your videos!

[@thephoebejeebies]

i've been asking for months, YES!

[@Bibi-eh6bs]

they are working so much and doing such great videos! I think, they have no time to do a playlist?!

[@grama9094]

Some of the songs sound like Jack Johnson is singing them.

[@jswbr]

There’s a solid chance it’s all within the KZbin Studio Audio Library or similar royalty free library. Google it for some gems!

[@thephoebejeebies]

@@Bibi-eh6bs you're so right, but I feel like SOMEONE in this comments section has probably done it because the music is so good!!

[@gigiw.7650]

It's been more than two years and we are still waiting for the permits to fix our apartment. In the meantime I'm dying because I can't get any rest in my son's house. I told my son that I'm running out of time. 😢 Cities are crazy!

[@woodenkat8971]

😢😢after that much time you may have to get a lawyer involved. That sucks.

[@yunglynda1326]

idk if you're in the usa but in some states if you do work on it then sell it, having permit doesn't matter anymore--it becomes part of the property as-is🤔

[@dameanvil]

01:03 🏚 The roof permit is delayed, causing frustration and uncertainty about the structural integrity of the house. 02:17 🛠 Pulling out a million nails from the floor and walls is a time-consuming task, adding to renovation woes. 03:09 🏠 A leaky part of the house has a sturdy floor, suggesting potential stability throughout. 05:42 🪓 Demolishing the entire structure for a fresh start is tempting but impractical due to time constraints. 06:02 🏞 Repurposing the existing floor as flooring to save costs is considered, highlighting a practical approach to renovation. 08:02 🚫 Lack of clarity from the city regarding renovation regulations adds frustration and hinders progress. 12:03 🛒 Neighbor's offer of a temporary power pole is a fortunate turn, easing a financial burden in the renovation process. 13:10 🥼 Utilizing gender-neutral workwear, like women's pants, for construction work demonstrates practicality and inclusivity. 17:02 🏚 Renovation complications escalate with structural issues discovered, leading to a halt in progress and uncertainty about the next steps.

[@MovieMadam54]

I absolutely love that you guys are giving this old gem the sparkle it deserves! I know its a TON of work and I have no idea where you get the funds other than YT, but good for you both for doing it! That view is utterly SPECTACULAR!! This home will be unreal when you're done!

[@noracamann3371]

Working with an architect might help. They can get the right info sent in for permits and permissions. I've had my own issues working with regular builders who were not aware of all the building and planning permissions that my old house needs and I have had to learn stuff on my own. It kind of sucks.

[@kaysilovelace8713]

“GO NICKY GO NICKY GO NICKY”

[@designed_by_danita]

Saw you on TV! So cool to be getting positive attention! Love following this journey with you both! The ups and the downs! Hope tomorrow is a much better day! 🥰

[@alexandrabrookhouse9654]

Watching the home reno is entertaining and all but I'm here for seeing your sweet little relationship evolve over time! Thank you for sharing!

[@asaturn]

an electric demo hammer with a big wide blade on it might make easier work of the subfloor and little nails

[@fatoye]

i love how you're always leaving the most helpful tips on these videos 🤍 as someone who's considering renovating their place, i'm taking notes!

[@nathanarnold8723]

I use my rotary hammer (on chisel setting) for this sort of thing, with the widest blade possible, and it speeds it up 10x over going at things with a hammer and pry bar. Decent cordless ones can be found for a few hundred bucks

[@laurenarigo3894]

Only time I have had to work with a building permit and municipal it was for my senior capstone for mechanical engineering and the project was backed by the mayor. We were helping get stuff ready for the nonprofit to apply for grants. So having the site analyzed and the initial paperwork filled out to be review by a liscenced engineer is really helpful for the grant applications. Everyone was so happy to help and gave us so much support it sucks that not every municipal and project is like that. I just wish people were not on vacation the week we need to get in contact with them.

[@kellymcclain6545]

You guys are great. I am impressed at the amount of work you have done, and with the most basic of tools.

[@agmast3r169]

I Recently binge watched the whole series and Ive been impatiently waiting for a new part since, at this point I love your guys's house as much as you do 😂

[@colleenhurley9195]

Ya'll need to make a roof top deck....that view is killer!!

[@GW5_]

Wednesday is my new fav day of the week! Thanks for sharing the journey, you’re both awesome!

[@ruthiebee6139]

I'm so sorry this is turning out to be so frustrating. I appreciate seeing all of the community here giving you ideas to help you with the city. I'm always excited to see you have a video up!

[@patkanten8049]

With the slanting of the roof you may want put up a support post going from the basement to the beam to give support while the city works out the permitting.

[@ninjalikestoast]

This series is an immediate watch 🤩 love how you're sharing all the highs and lows, keeping my fingers crossed for you

[@silviawolter]

Off topic: where did you find a guy like Nick? Cute, great Handyman, supportive!… I wish everybody finds their own Nicky! ❤

[@silkandsticks]

Always appreciate your transparency in video Jenna, this is a huge job and you guys are killing it. Love this series!

[@kellyk7419]

I LOVE watching this renovation! I’m here until the end with all the bumps in between! 👍😊👍

[@nylapierce1719]

Just saw your news story on CBC! So nice! It will all work out in the end!

[@RIP225]

@JennaPhipps This is a great project to watch you both do! always look forward to seeing your video get released.

[@nitabourne3042]

LOVE YOU GUYS THAT KEEP GOING THROUGH THICK OR THIN. LOVE THIS SERIES AND CAN'T WAIT TILL YOUR ABLE TO CONTINUE. I KNOW IT WILL GET GREAT, HAVE FAITH. WE ARE BEHIND YOU 100 PERCENT. HOPE YOUR DOGS ARE WELL.THANKS FOR SHARING AND STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY ❤️ 🙏

[@maaltagabriel]

Lucky me I saw your CBC interview and came to check out the videos, and what a coincidence! Got to the end of the playlist just as this was posted!

[@louiseisobel]

Sending you all the hope and strength you guys need ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MrsAnnaLogan]

Yeah where we live you can’t do any remodeling unless you also agree to pay the power company to move their own electrical wires from the poles to an underground supply. There are all kinds of codes for earthquake safety refurbishment, sidewalk placement, and all sorts of things that have nothing to do with the INSIDE of an existing building that they require if you want to apply for any permit for your own property. It’s easier to demolish historical buildings than to try to work with codes to preserve them.

[@brennagreenglasspeacock]

So sorry this is happening. I hope this all gets sorted out soon so you can really get started on the next phase. You all have worked so hard already and it would be nice if the city would acknowledge that and help move things along.

[@fuhgawz500]

Shenanigans! You two have been through so much on this journey! I have been having a blast following along. Your city planners need to get with it! Such an amazing structure that needs to be preserved. Too much bad bureaucracy is holding you back - I will stay tuned to see how things go, but wish you the best of luck!

[@riversong2913]

i swaer this is why cities are crumbling. they make it impossible for our generation to even think about getting a house.

[@christopherpardell4418]

Everyone whines about building and safety, until there’s an earthquake and practically no one gets hurt. Or until the condo collapses on an otherwise fine day because someone at building and safety didn’t do their job.

[@hollyschmadl3186]

I was born in Vancouver and lived all over the lower mainland well half my life in Coquitlam. Vancouver building laws are tough from what I've heard so all I can say is good luck and I hope they come through eventually. I'm going to keep watching hope for the best for you.😊

[@paulafox30]

Oh Jenna!! I just looked through all your house shorts and you guys have come so far!!! It's brilliant! Keep at it, it's all gonna be worth it in the end... Can't wait. ❤

[@kat1701]

Girl your videos taught me crochet and never thought your craftiness would lead to the COOLLLEESTTT mid century house renovation i never knew i always wanted to watch 😅 congrats on the exposure!!

[@TallBob1962]

Just FYI - the City is going to make you put up fall protection around the stairwell opening. Might as well look into that now.

[@bobcaygeon6799]

That, and them not wearing masks while removing moldy flooring and the dust flying around, has made it difficult to watch. I want them to succeed AND be able to enjoy it for a long time in GOOD HEALTH :-)

[@mansoor3159]

Jenna you always makes me smile with your new videos😀😀😀

[@thismagicwardrobe]

Challenges make the journey even more special! I hope you get what you need to continue and even if this is a hiccup right now, one day it will come to pass. Wishing you the best outcome for this 💖💖💖 love every single video!

[@inkkstainedskin]

Watching you guys tackle this house gives me the courage and motivation to do my renovations. ❤

[@RelaxingReality]

I think the news channel needs to do an investigative piece on why the city drags their feet so much to issue permits. Seems like some funny business going on there and it’s really disappointing to see you caught in the middle of it.

[@ChrisWijtmans]

give one player speedy permits then make it difficult for everyone else, seems like a game played to me.

[@operator0]

I said a couple videos ago that my friend, who flips houses, never gets permits when he's doing a remodel. He leaves the exterior as it was when he bought it, then goes in a tears everything out, similar to what you're doing here, and then builds it all back up. By the time he gets to the exterior, he has everything organized to do it as quickly as possible, typically in a few days. Then he sells the house without the city being any the wiser. He's even done a termite infested house that was in worse structural condition than this one. Tore out all the first floor joists, and every piece of lumber supporting the second floor, and replaced everything with brand new lumber, all without disturbing the exterior. He's flipped more than 50 houses, and only ever been caught once. He paid the fine, got the permits, and continued on. If he were to submit for permits, he wouldn't be able to make a living doing what he's doing. In fact, they almost certainly would have condemned that termite house, costing him a couple hundred thousand dollars, and wasting a bunch of perfectly fine lumber, bathroom fixtures, door knobs, flooring...ect, in the process (the second story was fine). The people at the permitting office are tyrants who wield life changing power with no due process available to the citizen. You want to know why housing costs are so high? Well, one of the biggest reasons is the cost just to get PERMISSION to build a home on your own land. In a lot of places in America and the rest of the West, if you don't have enough money to bribe local officials, or enough money to retain a lawyer who has political connections, or are famous enough to cause the political leadership societal headaches, you're shit out of luck. I suspect that in the end, you Jenna, will be able to overcome this hurdle rather quickly precisely due to your notoriety, but remember that the rest of the population would have been screwed had it been them.

[@tomhollowell1270]

By being difficult to deal with building departments actually encourage this behavior, which is more dangerous in the long run. Well run building departments often help educate and correct along the way rather than simply stamp things passed on not passed. I saw a city landscape architect condemn and repossess tress that were planted in the city right of way. How about have a conversation with the owner first?

[@lilianaflores3019]

When Nick changed into Jenna's green shirt, did anyone else get flashbacks to when Shaggy from Scooby-doo turned into a girl in the live action movie. It brightened my day 😂