What is a Permit?
A permit is a document required by local Building Departments authorizing work to begin on projects related to the Construction Trades. Most construction projects require a permit and inspections by certified building officials to ensure the work is in compliance with state, county and city Building Codes.
What is required to obtain a permit?
The requirements for obtaining a permit vary state to state. In some states certain trades are required to pull permits; in other states most or all are required. Usually repairs do not require permitting unless the repair exceeds the allowable code requirement. Since most contractors are experts in their field, they know when a permit is required and will comply with the building codes.
The basic requirements are: a Professional License issued for the trade in which they are conducting business, liability insurance in the minimum amount required, Workman's Compensation or Exemption, a Business License, in many instances a license from the city you are conducting business in addition to a county permit, Design Plans or drawings of the project listing loads for snow, wind, or both, materials list, image of completed project, and when required engineered plans that are sealed and provide complete details of the project. The contractor will know what to provide. Approving a permit can take 1 day to months and cost from $10.00 to thousands. The size of the project usually determines the approval time and cost. Most permits for Home Improvement projects are approved in a few days and cost less than $300.00.
A permit is a document required by local Building Departments authorizing work to begin on projects related to the Construction Trades. Most construction projects require a permit and inspections by certified building officials to ensure the work is in compliance with state, county and city Building Codes.
What is required to obtain a permit?
The requirements for obtaining a permit vary state to state. In some states certain trades are required to pull permits; in other states most or all are required. Usually repairs do not require permitting unless the repair exceeds the allowable code requirement. Since most contractors are experts in their field, they know when a permit is required and will comply with the building codes.
The basic requirements are: a Professional License issued for the trade in which they are conducting business, liability insurance in the minimum amount required, Workman's Compensation or Exemption, a Business License, in many instances a license from the city you are conducting business in addition to a county permit, Design Plans or drawings of the project listing loads for snow, wind, or both, materials list, image of completed project, and when required engineered plans that are sealed and provide complete details of the project. The contractor will know what to provide. Approving a permit can take 1 day to months and cost from $10.00 to thousands. The size of the project usually determines the approval time and cost. Most permits for Home Improvement projects are approved in a few days and cost less than $300.00.
DO's And Do Not's
Do always ask contractors if permits are required. Many inside projects may not require permitting unless they involve plumbing, electrical, moving walls, complete kitchen remodel, replacement windows, and other major inside projects. A quick call to the Building Department will verify.
Do try to be home for scheduled building inspections. One of the major reasons for permitting is to protect you and future owners of the home. Obviously, if the project is inside someone will have to be there to let the inspector into the home. That someone can be a friend, family member or the contractor. If there is a problem the contractor is required to correct and have a re-inspection. Once the building official approves the work, they will sign the permit and you can keep it for your records. If you are doing an outside project such as vinyl siding, a new roof, sunroom or addition, and have any concerns or questions, be sure you are present for the inspection. Do not be afraid to point out areas of concern, it may or may not be valid, but you will get an answer. If discrepancies are discovered, the inspector will flag and list what has to be done. The contractor will correct and call for re-inspection. The permit was obtained by the Contractor and the building Department will do its job in ensuring the project complies with all Building Codes.
Do be involved and discuss the progress with your contractor. Always address concerns with the contractor first. If you do not feel comfortable with the answers consult with the Building Department.
Do Not prevent workers from doing their job by looking over their shoulder and just generally being in the way. I like a buffer of 25 feet indoors and 50 feet outside where you are not allowed when tools are in use or there is a risk of harm to you. Respect their space and you will end up with project of which you can be proud. As a side note, cookies and sodas are great incentives you can use to keep the workers happy and increases their desire to maybe go the extra step to make sure your project stands out. It should not be that way, but if they like you they will make you happy.
Do Not ever pull a permit for any contractor. If they ask you to pull the permit, it is a very large Red Flag. If they cannot pull the permit, I guarantee, they are not qualified to do the work for you. Give him an old boot, he will get the message; then hire a qualified contractor what can and will pull the permit for the job.
Do Not hold final payment because you want to make sure the project passes inspection. The permit is the responsibility of the contractor. If the job is not done right, the workmanship is shoddy, or there are code violations, the contractor is required to correct all problems and have a re-inspection. Holding a payment for an inspection only causes hate and discontent. Contractors pay their employees and sub-contractor's when the job is complete. 99% of the time, final inspections pass so there is no reason to not pay for work completed.
Who pays for Permits?
You pay for the permit. The cost is included in your Contractual Agreement with the company doing the work. If a permit is legally not required, you might inquire if you were charged a permit fee. Normally, the answer will be no, but it never hurts to ask and puts the contractor on alert that you are not an un-educated consumer.
You as the Homeowner.
As the Homeowner, you can pull a permit for any project as long as you are doing the work yourself. You can use family members to help...you cannot use contractors or sub-contractors. The same rules that apply to contractors apply to you. You will need drawings or plans, and a basic knowledge of what you will be doing. Building Departments are extremely good at helping homeowners meet requirements and make the process as easy as possible. Inspectors will scrutinize your project the same as if a contractor did the work. If you fail an inspection, you also will be required to correct and have a re-inspection. In your case, since it is your permit, you are allowed to hold back the final payment and give yourself a pat on the back when the inspection passes.
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