Securing Permits For Home Repairs

In any case you want to embark on major repair or replacement for any feature in your house, you have one more important consideration other than formulating your budget or acquiring services for the project. The Building Code Act states the responsibility of a home owner to secure permits for home improvement plans.

On the other hand, not all home repairs or replacements must be accompanied by a permit. Permits are to be secured from your local government if your improvement project necessitates for major alterations to the original footprint and structure of your property. Also note that each location has different topographical and weather conditions. Consequently, there are different set of codes regarding zoning and building construction for each county or state.

In addition, your home has many aspects with respective uniqueness in terms of maintenance. Then you might need to secure several permits. For example, you want to rebuild your basement. The conversion of this space may involve new designation or assignment for electrical wiring, plumbing or other existing systems in it. You would have to get a mechanical permit for the electrical work and obtain a permit for the whole reconstruction project.

More specifically, permits are needed if these circumstances would be a part of your home improvement plan:

- additional structure/s such as separate guest quarters, pool, garage, etc.

- space conversions

- demolition of load-bearing walls

- new installation or replacement of electrical wiring and/or outlets, plumbing and HVAC systems

- replacement of windows or doors, given that the replacement would mean entirely taking out the existing ones

If you live in an area that has special uniformity rules such as in gated communities, you might also need to seek approval of your home improvement project from the developers or managers. Review your property deeds if there are restrictive clauses about renovation endeavors. Once you alter the cosmetic look of your home, the developers' goal to maintain standard property designs would be violated.

Make sure too that you allocate sufficient time and budget for securing the permits. There are various steps you need to go through before your project would commence. Charges for getting the permit and other professional fees apply, and vary according to your location.

First thing you must do is to inquire from local agencies what permits you have to secure. Upon doing that, you might need to present your plan layout. This has to contain all pertinent changes to be made during the construction. To save you some time, let a structural engineer draft the layout. Once you submit the plan, respective agencies will direct you how to acquire the permits.

Generally, you would have to wait about two to three weeks before you will know whether your application for permit has been approved. At the time your permit/s would be issued, be sure to implement only the renovations stated in your plan. Immediately notify the local agencies if there are any changes in the plan. Otherwise, you might be penalized. Also note that alterations to the plan can be easily detected because a building inspector duly assigned by your local government would check on your site. To avoid mishaps, which could hold back or entirely terminate your project, be sure to stick to your original plan.

Another thing you have to consider is the validity of your permit/s. Most of these are only good for six months. If your project exceeds such time frame, seek an extended building permit as soon as possible.

These codes were created not only for the purposes to maintain discipline among builders and homeowners or to generate local income. The main objective of building construction codes is to instigate safety for all the participants of the project. Safety comes first, after all.

Securing Permits For Home Repairs

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