Over the 20 plus years of being in the remodeling industry, I have heard all kinds of reasons and excuses as to why homeowners do not want to pay for building permits. Some even have gone so far as to say obtaining building permits are nothing more than a bureaucratic moneymaker. However, these permits are extremely important because they are designed to protect you, the homeowner, in areas of safety, engineering and proper building procedures. They are also important to have on record when you sell your home.
You typically will need additional permits for different systems if you’re doing a major home remodel. However, even with what might seem a simple bathroom remodel, more often than not, an experienced remodeling contractor will know when a permit is required and when it is not.
For example, if you are replacing the lighting in a bathroom and not changing the location of the lighting or the switches that control them, then no permit is required. However, if you change the location of the lighting and have to move the switches or the electrical boxes that feed the lighting fixtures, you will need an electrical permit and an inspection prior to closing up a wall or ceiling.
Under the law, the person who obtains the permit is considered the contractor for the project and is liable for any construction-related damages. However, a contractor is not allowed to ask you the homeowner to obtain the permits for them to work on your home. That is illegal. Is your remodeling contractor licensed to do the work required? Check here to find out https://www.pprbd.org/ Each of the trades – electrical, plumbing, and mechanical – will have their own special licenses to perform their work on your home.
A building permit is typically required if you are remodeling your home and your remodeling contractor will need to submit your plans for approval to the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. This includes drawings of the project, all electrical, plumbing, HVAC, engineering load bearing wall removals, roof or window changes, measurements, and changing of floor plans to name a few.
Your professional remodeling contractor will provide you with a full understanding of what kind and when each permit needs to be obtained. If you’re working with a contractor who even hints at skipping this process, run!
The benefits to obtaining a building permit ensures that your remodeling project will pass all building code inspections. What’s more… these permits and inspections are designed as a process to protect lives and ensures everyone adheres to the integrity of a standard using the best building practices available for the safety and longevity of your home.
