No matter the type of residential construction project you have, you will need building permits before starting. This is a crucial first step in the new construction or remodeling process that cannot be rushed or skipped to ensure quality and compliance with critical construction standards.
Let’s walk through the most frequently asked questions around why you need building permits for your construction project.
Buiding Permit FAQs
Why Do I Need Building Permits?
Building permits ensure compliance with important building and safety requirements. They are issued and inspections are made to ensure that established building residential practices and regulations are followed and that the work is being done by licensed, professional craftsmen. Building standards set by such entities as municipalities, health departments, fire departments and environmental groups are designed to protect the safety of you and your surroundings, by producing a quality outcome.
This will also benefit your home’s value if/when you decide to sell.
Who Is Responsible for Securing the Building Permits?
While the responsibility for having the appropriate construction permits rests with you as the property owner, your home builder is the one who actually files the paperwork to obtain the required permits.
The red tape can be overwhelming so having a builder with extensive experience with the process and is the ideal choice to make sure all the proper paperwork is filed correctly and on-time so there is no delay in your project.
What Types of Building Permits Might My Project Need?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction as well as by the complexity of the project. Governing bodies may interject their own unique requirements. Permits may be required by the county, township, city, town, or even the local Home Owners’ Association (HOA).
Sometimes there are special watershed requirements by Storm Water Management that are designed to protect the water table. There may also be a need to address provisions for storm water run-off by providing a retention pond; a need to provide for the protection of wetlands or a requirement to regulate the septic system.
A qualified builder will be able to walk you through what’s needed for your property and the steps taken to secure them on your behalf.
What Happens If You Build Without A Permit?
The old adage pay me now or pay me later applies here. A reputable builder will not allow corners to be cut, no matter how tempting it may be to save time or money.
While, to some, the permitting process seems tedious and time-consuming, it is there for your protection and the long term value of your home.
Plus, the penalties for building without a permit are stiff – often double the cost of the permit in the first place, not to mention the delays caused by skipping this important step which after inspection, might require ripping out and redoing! Compliance also ensures a smooth transition when you are ready to sell.
The Bottom Line — Leave the Red Tape to the Professionals:
Securing building permits is critical to the construction process, by ensuring a safe and compliant end result. By following the rules, you’ll avoid problems (and penalties) down the road.
Get in touch with our office today to get started.
We know what permits are needed for your specific project, town and/or building site and our team has the experience and attention to detail that will ensure your project will be built to code, delivered on-time and within budget.
