The Building Permit Process
Whether you’re a homeowner or an experienced contractor, the building permit process requires you to obtain a permit. Investopedia says not everything you want to do to your house requires a permit before starting.
Renovations That Do Not Require a Permit
Investopedia says not everything you want to do to your house requires a permit before starting.
- Painting or wallpapering
- Installing hardwood floors or carpeting
- Minor electrical repairs that do not involve new service or moving existing service
- Installing new countertops
- Replace a faucet
The Building Permit Process
Like your home improvement project, obtaining a building permit also requires good planning. When applying for a permit, it is important to note that each municipality will have their own list of requirements to follow.
The building department will require drawings or blueprints that you submit for review before releasing a permit. For larger and more substantial projects, these drawings will most likely be completed by an architect or engineer, indicating the specific details (the type of framing, sizes of windows and doors, insulation material, etc.). Drawings for smaller projects, however, may be completed by homeowners.
Whether these drawings are completed by a professional or a homeowner, they should reflect existing conditions, along with the proposed alterations. You may need a survey of the property when you put up a new building or add to an existing structure; such as dormers, decks, additions, and garages.
You’ll first submit these plans along with your building permit application for review. It could take weeks before your permit is issued, depending on the size of your project, so plan accordingly. Once your permit issued, you usually have six months to begin work on your project.
You may want to ask your local building department these questions:
- Most building departments have specific hours designated for obtaining permits. What are those hours and are appointments available?
- Is a checklist available for me to review?
- After explaining the project, which other departments will I need a stamp of approval from? For example zoning, health, wetlands, etc.
- Do you recommend I handle this as a homeowner or if I should consider hiring a professional?
- If I’m willing to handle the process, what are the specific items required on the plans?
Application fees for building permits vary, depending on the type and size of your project—the larger, more complicated projects usually have higher fees. But that’s reasonable, considering the people reviewing your project are professionals and these fees also include multiple site visits from inspectors coming out to examine the work. A helpful tip: Bring multiple checks when applying for permits so you can write them on the spot and avoid having to return with payment.
Now that you’re aware of the steps involved in the building permit process make sure to follow through, work on your project as approved, up to closing out the final inspections, and obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy. Give yourself enough time before the project begins and set realistic expectations. You will not walk into the building department for the first time and walk out with your permit.
Remember, a good general contractor always pulls permits.
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