I am considering various remodeling projects on an older home and wonder just how these have to be handled to avoid trouble. When is a building permit required and how does that whole process work? I would prefer to do as much of the work myself as possible. Will I need to have my ideas blessed by an architect as "structurally sound?" Thanks.
Go down to City Hall. In the lobby there will be a directory of offices. Find the one that says, "Building Inspection" or something like that. Walk in and explain your mission to a friendly clerk. They will nearly always have some handouts, code books or other material, some for sale, some free. If you're lucky, you may get a few minutes with one of supervisors in the office. Even better offer to buy him/her lunch and prepare to take notes. These people have a world of info to share and more often than not all you have to do is pleasantly ask. As a source this has worked for me many times and I know I've saved a lot of money on projects by getting good advice. HTH
Joe
You can probably do a lot of preliminary stuff on the internet. Find your city's website, and their building code enforcement department. They will (should, ennyhoo, in this day and age) have the requirements on their website. Where I live a building permit is needed for any plumbing, electrical or structural work. That's what the code reads, not what the city enforces. (The city is having trouble currently with building a bridge that won't stay up :o) The city may even have some "engineering standards" posted for basic stuff. Our city has a nifty one for seawalls, the only one I've examined. A homeowner here can do his own work, as long as he lives in it or won't rent it out for a year. Plumbing, elect., AC or structural work needs a license if yer not doing it in your own home. The code looks nice, because I know some "expert handiguys" who can't make a puddle of concrete flat or know how to drain a water line :o) I've made drawings for permits, and they just have to be tidy and accurate. After you've laid out what you want to do is when I would go to the building dept. I wouldn't take any of them to lunch, but each to their own. You'll need inspections at various stages, probably, depending on the project, and a notice of commencement.
Our city code specifically exempts the installation or removal of non-load bearing walls, window or door replacement if the header isn't being altered, maintainence / upkeep / replacement of roofing and siding, decks not more than
24" above grade, and detached sheds no more than 120 sq. ft.HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.