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Building Permits: The Top Five Things Homeowners Need To Know
Building permits are extremely important, whether you’re adding on to an existing building or beginning construction on your custom designed new home. We’ve organized some of the most popular questions about building permits into an FAQ to give you a head start on what you need to know before you jump into that project. 1. What is a building permit? A building permit--also known as a construction permit--is required in most urban areas as well as some rural jurisdictions before beginning work on new construction projects, additions to existing structures, and sometimes even major renovations. It ensures compliance with building codes by enforcing inspections during construction and after completion. 2. How can I get a permit? Draw up a blueprint of your intended construction, and submit it to your local department, which may be part of your city or county. If you live in a housing development run by a homeowner’s association, you will have to receive approval from the association before submitting it to any other authority. 3. I only want to put in something simple like a pool. Do I still need a building permit? You will still need a permit in most areas, even for projects that may seem minor, such as in ground pools and spas, patios, decks, and stationary barbecues. Call your local division to find out exactly what projects require permits--better safe than sorry. 4. What if the work is already done? In some cases, building divisions can issue an “as built” building permit. However, there are some downfalls to this. Since the work must comply with current building codes, it may need to be exposed at the site for the inspector to see, and sometimes must be certified by a licensed structural or civil engineer before receiving a final inspection approval. Often, penalty fees are assessed to the project in addition to the normal permit fee. 5. What if I don’t get a building permit? If you don’t get a building permit and proceed with construction, you can be hit with fines and penalty fees, and if your project does not meet code for any reason, it can be subject to demolition at any time. Always check with your local building division before investing your time and money into a project. It can be devastating to see all your hard work wasted. |
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