How to get and why you need the right permits for the job
By remodeling you can increase your livable space, make your home layout more conducive to the way that you and your family live your lives and increase the value of your home. But there are some very important technicalities that you need to take care of first. Getting the right permits for the job is not only the legal thing to do, but without the right permits, you cannot claim the extra value that the remodel brings on a sales contract. Permits are also only issued to parties who can provide evidence that they have thought through the process and are capable of completing the remodel safely. Even though you probably do not want to spend your money on a permit, it's something that you need to take care of now, or it could come back to haunt you.
Permit requirements are determined by the government. You can usually get more specific information regarding the location and prices of the permit you need by checking with your city or county agency. While there may be differences in permit requirements depending on where you live, there are usually some similarities so with a little research you can have a good idea before hand of what you will need.
In determining what kind of permit you will need, take the following into consideration:
- Know what your home remodeling project will entail and make a detailed list of the different task you will have to undertake. This could include some plumbing, construction or electrical work (both of which will probably require a permit).
- Most permits are given based on the ease of reversing the project. For example, there is no permit needed to change out a light fixture or paint a wall, because these changes are easily reversed. Adding on a bathroom or finishing a basement is not as easily reversed and so a permit is needed.
- Multiple permits for one remodeling project may be required. You will likely need separate permits for areas like electricity and plumbing. If you are unsure of what project require multiple permits or if you are at all confused with the permit process you can contact your local permit office and get an idea of what you will need to pay for ahead of time.
- Whatever preparations you can make ahead of time will be helpful as obtaining the correct permits can be a lengthy process. In some cases it can take weeks to get the right permits and legally you cannot begin your remodeling project without them.
- Once you are ready, you will need to obtain and fill out your permit application. Make sure that you are thorough with how you fill in the questions and make sure that you attach any necessary plans or documents that you have on your project that might help show the permit office that you are qualified to perform the job you are requesting a permit for. Submit your application.
- Your permit application will be reviewed by the city and in some cases the county of where your remodeling project will take place. Officials will review such things as zoning laws, historic home guidelines, etc., before they allow you to move forward. If everything checks out you will be issued the permit (following having paid the fee required to obtain it).
There are some instances, with new home buyers, when the builder will rough-in a bathroom or basement and to do so may have already obtained the appropriate permit needed to complete the job. If you are buying a new home and doing some of the work yourself, check with the builder to see what kinds of permits he obtained and if they cover any additional remodeling work you plan on doing.
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