Building Permits
quick questions...
I realize the law on the subject is prolly different state to state, but generally speaking at what point in a rehab process would one need a building permit?
any other rehab issues where a permit of sorts might be required? if so, what sort of permit?
also, at what point would a building inspector "need" to look over your work? I'm guessing if building walls/electrical work was being done, etc...
According to what I have experienced most areas require a building permit on most everything, In some areas they seem to be relaxed quite a lot, while in other areas they're tough.
Here in CA they are tough, require permits get nasty if they catch you without one, Yet I recently had a roof put on. The contractor was to have pulled a permit, and did not. It was reported by ??? to the permit division, I do not know if they came out. The job was incorrectly installed, wrong type materials used, and the city seems not to be concerned since it was completed and they turned a blind eye apparently.
I had a building inspector and 3 roofing contractors inspect it, and all staed it will have to be removedm and redone correctly, where as origininally it could have been done much more simply.
My daughter and husband (he an electrical contractor (not in this town) turned a garage into a granny house without a permit. The city learned of it, they had to tear it all down, the city had to re-inspect, then issued a permit to do what had already been done. ;-{
Some work you can skate on if it is inside and out of site, I'd suggest any major repairs such as roofing, electrical, foundation, extensive plumbing, permit it. Other use your own judgement. Often it costs less to do it right in the long run.
Hope this helps, good luck!
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I realize the law on the subject is prolly different state to state, but generally speaking at what point in a rehab process would one need a building permit?
You need a building permit prior to doing any work that requires a building permit. If your building dept requires a building permit to change the front door knob, then you need to apply for it before you change it.
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any other rehab issues where a permit of sorts might be required? if so, what sort of permit?
First thing is are you doing the work and applying for permits as the homeowner or are you having a contractor do the work for you?
Most of the time a homeowner can do a lot more, and a lot easier in regard to work and permits than a contractor can.
For instance as a homeowner you can do electrical and plumbing work, but a contractor can't. He will have to hire a licensed electrician or a plumber to do the work you can do as a homeowner without a license. However in regard to the permit, you both would still have to apply for one, however, most inspectors give homeowners a lot more fudge room then they will a contractor. If a contractor is doing the work, make sure he is applying for the permits, do not let him talk you into applying for the permits!
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also, at what point would a building inspector "need" to look over your work? I'm guessing if building walls/electrical work was being done, etc...
As stated it depends on the building dept. I live in Colorado, a house within Denver city limits may require a permit just to replace the gutters, whereas a house 1 foot outside the city limits will not.
One simple visit to the building department and you can come back with a printout of what does and doesn't require a permit and the fees involved.
Codes vary tremendously in regard to permiting. For instance there are codes that the building department will follow that can really cause you some headaches. In an older house you get a lot grandfathered in that doesn't have to be brought up to code, however, start doing some remodelling and pass over a certain dollar amount of work and suddenly you have to bring something up to code! You need to know about these things before you do something that really hurts you in the wallet.
In regard to your final question, any type of new wiring or pipes is going to need a permit, just removing a light fixture and replacing it with a new one does not. Removing and replacing a new sink and faucet does not, but moving the sink acorss the to the other side of the bathroom would since you would be running new plumbing. Tearing out carpet, cabinets, stuff like that does not.
For your county.......go to:
http://www.springville.org/Departments/Community%20Development.htm
They can give the info you desire.
NC_Yank.
thanks all for the replies