Renovation Resources

To obtain this permit, which can take only a day for small projects and up to 4 to 6 weeks for large ones, you must have a set of construction drawings detailing exactly what you are proposing to do. (Please see Blue Print Section)

You may have your contractor go through the process and get this permit for you, or you as the homeowner may get the permit yourself. If you want your contractor to do this for you, he will probably charge you a small fee for the time spent dealing with the city or county you live in. They will also be responsible for getting all the necessary inspections at the right time. If you choose to get the permit yourself, you will be responsible for filling out all the correct forms that your city or county might require. You will also be responsible for getting all the necessary inspections, in the correct order. You will save money this way, for you are not paying someone else to do these jobs. Once you have decided who will get the permit, the only thing left is to wait the appropriate time necessary for the city or county to look over the plans and make sure that what you are proposing to do meets all the proper building and zoning codes.

For a small project like a kitchen or bath remodel and depending on your city or county jurisdiction the wait for your permit could take as short as a day or as long as two weeks. For a larger project like an addition or a new home your wait will probably be between 4 to 6 weeks.

Most jurisdictions will not allow you to do any construction without a permit, but some will allow demolition of your existing home before you get the permit, so have your contractor or yourself call to see if they will allow any building at all before the issuance of the permit.

Some Jurisdictions issue a Combo Permit, which is a Building, Mechanical (heating) and Plumbing Permit all in one and others issue these permits separately. There are also electrical and low voltage permits. All these permits, except the building permit, are issued over the counter and do not require much in the way of paper work, but do require a separate permit fee up and above the building permit.

Once you have all the proper permits, you are on your way to a beautiful new Bath, Kitchen, Addition, or whatever your project will be.