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Building permits are required
for any remodeling project that involves a change or addition to your
home’s structure or mechanical systems. Building permits are issued to
ensure your remodeling project meets local building codes, which
establish material standards, structural requirements, and installation
guidelines for your project. In short, they ensure that your (or your
contractor’s) work is done properly.
Building permits are required by law, and getting caught without them
can result in fines from the city and possible trouble with your insurance
company Also, work done without permits can cause problems if you try to
sell your house. Most local building codes follow the national codes, such as the National
Electrical Code, hut are adapted to meet the demands of local conditions and
legislation. Keep in mind that local codes always supersede national codes.
Always check with your local building department before finalizing your
plans.
Before issuing permits, your local building department will require
plans and cost estimates for your project. .After your plans have been
approved, you must pay permit fees, which are based on the cost of the
project. You’ll also learn what inspections are required and when you should
call for inspections.
Once issued, a building permit typically is good for 180 days. You can apply
for an extension by submitting a written request showing justifiable cause
for the delay. |
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Here are some tips to help you prepare for the permit
process:
 To
obtain a building permit, you must fill out a form from your local
building department that includes a description of the project; your
home’s address, legal description, and occupancy; and an estimate of the
project cost.
The
building department may require two to four sets of construction
documents or drawings of your project-including floor and elevation
plans-to be submitted for inspection and approval.
A
building inspector will examine all construction plans and stamp or send
written notification of approval and acceptance.
One set
of approved documents is kept by the building official, one set is sent
to the applicant, and one set is displayed at the site until the project
is completed.
Some
permits are granted by phase of construction. After the work for one
phase is completed and inspected, a permit for the next phase is issued.
However building officials will not guarantee issuance of subsequent
permits.
All
work is inspected by a building official to ensure compliance with codes
and permits.
Your project is complete only
after the local building inspector makes a final inspection and
gives approval of your site. |
