| Building Permits |
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A building permit is an official document provided by a local building jurisdiction that permits you to build or remodel if you do so following approved plans and local building codes. Local building codes in various locations don’t always agree on what requires a building permit and what doesn’t. However, here are some typical home remodeling jobs that don’t require a permit: * Storage and tool sheds * Fences under 6 ft. in height * Painting, papering, and finish work. * Window awnings and shade structures * Prefab swimming pools As you can see, most remodeling work done to finish a basement (except painting) will probably will require a building permit. However, first check with your city or county building department for specific requirements before starting the job. Most jurisdictions require copies of your building plans and assurances that you will follow local building codes during the project. To enforce compliance, building departments will require that the project is inspected by an employee of the department, called a building inspector, and approved or signed-off at specific stages of the project. If you continue construction without the needed sign-off the inspector will probably require that you remove materials so the prior work can be inspected. Ouch! In the long run it’s best to find out what permits are required, what codes need to be followed, and to allow inspections as required. If you’ve hired a general or remodeling contractor to do most or all of the work, he or she will take care of the building permits for you and ensure that codes are followed. That’s what contractors get paid to do.
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