If you are a homeowner you are likely familiar with the idea of building permit, but if you have never done major renovations or any renovations, you may not be aware that building permits are necessary in many cases for a wide range of jobs that need approval from your local governing body. Depending on where you live and how the local government handles building permits, you may opt to get help from a professional who can file the permits in a professional way, as well as possibly expedite permits that may be difficult or frustrating to obtain. Building permit law varies greatly from state to state as well as country to country, and if you live in Australia, for example, you can get help with council building permits from CIVAC.
If you'd first like to learn a bit more yourself, keep on reading for a general overview regarding building permits, which will help you ask the right questions once you contact your local offices.
Building permits are a type of authorization that must be granted by a government or other regulatory body before the construction of a new or existing building can legally occur. Under the umbrella of "construction" one will find that permits are necessary for electrical work as well as plumbing in many cases.
Why Are Building Permits Necessary?
The process of obtaining a building permit enables governments to enforce standards in construction. When a property owner wants to build a new structure or modify an existing one, they must retain the services of a licensed professional to file plans with the appropriate government office, and architects and engineers typically draft and submit these plans for approval. The design for the proposed construction along with the expected building materials will be reviewed by authorities to ensure they adhere to building codes. There are also many instances connected to home repair that also requires permits, so do learn the law in your area, as building permits are truly important as they are all about safety.
Municipalities may have stringent building codes due to external factors that can affect the resulting construction. Areas that are prone to earthquakes as well as tornados have specific building requirements to ensure safety of the occupants. Building permits also take into account weather-related concerns, such as flooding, or heavy snow.
When Do I Need A Building Permit?
A building permit is required for all projects to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure, or any outside area being used as part of the building’s designated occupancy, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, which is regulated by technical codes.
While it is quite clear that any new construction, or even structural changes to an existing home/building, as well as plumbing and electrical work require a permit, there are many other instances where a permit may be required!
- On most significant home projects other than basic maintenance and minor repairs, you must obtain a building permit.
- You may not need a building permit for remodeling, but you need to check with your city's building department to make sure.
- All electrical wiring requires a permit in the United States
- Building permit requirements vary based on geographical location, but some examples of common jobs that require permits are: pool permits, foundation repair permits, fuel storage permits, fire sprinkler system permits,
- There are some permits that are not at all obvious, such as: a permit for a solar heating unit, a termite repair permit, or a permit for a skylight or water heater, or a permit for a window replacement or even lawn sprinklers.
Should A Licensed Contractor Work Without A Permit?
Most homeowners dislike building permits, and contractors and installers are asked daily by homeowners if they will do their job without pulling a building permit. A licensed contractor that does work without the proper permit is putting his license in jeopardy and can face disciplinary action and fines by the state. Homeowners that perform work on their property without the proper permit can face fines as well as significant reconstruction issues. It is against local and state law to perform non-permitted construction work of any kind (do your homework!) and building code enforcement is cracking down on this type of activity, so don't assume you'll get away with it.
