This is the third article in the DIY: Do-It-Yourself Bathroom series - the first two being about Design and Layout. Notice that this article is still not about the construction work - that's because building permits need to be obtained before work on-site actually begins.
Permits Can Be Daunting
Rules and regulations vary so greatly from city to city, region to region, that it would be pointless to address specifics here. However, some general notes and guidelines about construction permits:
- If electrical or plumbing work is being done, chances are that city by-laws require a permit.
- Obtaining a city building permit can be an arduous task. Not only will the permits themselves cost money, but upon inspections there's a good chance that additional work will have to take place in order for a renovation project to comply with building codes.
- Obtaining residential permits and having inspections performed take time, effort and an additional layer of organization.
- If a home is non-compliant with the building codes, such as a pre-existing remodel that does not meet the current standards, the homeowner may be faced with having to fix these unrelated issues before any renovation project gets final approval.
- Interpretation of a building code is often left entirely in the hands of the inspector, and so the permitted renovation project is potentially beholden to their whim.
- Permitted improvements to a home can add to its assessed value. This can be a good or bad thing depending on what the homeowner's goals are with the property.
Not Having Permits Can Be Disastrous
Upon reading the above, someone embarking on a renovation may be tempted to start a project without building permits, but beware the potentially dire consequences of doing so:
- If a renovation project is discovered to be without a permit by city inspectors, the renovator could face serious fines and may be ordered to demolish and re-build the entire project - and the authorities will be extra hard on someone who has a "history".
- The homeowner may be subject to additional legal responsibilities and liability by embarking on un-permitted construction work.
- Tradespeople who are willing to work on an un-permitted project are likely to be either less qualified or working under-the-table, which means no invoices, no record keeping, no warranty, etc.
- Without the inspections process it's difficult to ensure all work is compliant with current building codes, and although building codes are imperfect (some more flawed than others), they are created to ensure the safety and efficiency of buildings.
- Un-permitted work may decrease the value of a property and make it harder to sell.
- Un-permitted work may raise a home's insurance premiums, or at worst void certain coverages.
How To Get a City Permit
Most likely City Hall is the place to go to obtain information on the permitting process and the permits themselves. If there is an Engineering department or Building department, head there first. In rare occasions, or in remote areas, it may be the county, state or province that issues building permits. Permitting procedures will vary greatly, but generally a site plan, existing floor plan and proposed floor plan will be required.
City Permits Are Required By Law
At the end of the day, having the proper city permits for your remodeling project is required by law. The fact that such laws are routinely broken does not mean it's a good idea to do so. This is where enlisting the help of a design professional can really benefit a renovation project. An Interior Designer or Architect can help determine whether a project requires permits in the first place, and how best to plan the project so that it will meet local requirements.
The next DIY: Do-It-Yourself Bathroom article will be on setting up a Construction Dust Barrier.
DISCLAIMER: the information herein is provided free of charge for general guidance only. Use of such information is AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Yee Jee Tso - Yee Jee has over 15 years of professional experience in the film and television industry with more than 50 credits - behind the camera in ...
Join the Conversation