An often forgotten and neglected step in the process, but still nonetheless a very important step, is ensuring you have all the relevant documentation and permits you need to go ahead with your remodel. Many homeowners think this step isn’t important, or neglect to actually pay it the full attention and detail it deserves. Of course, in the exciting process of a remodel it’s easy to get caught up and excited by the prospect of choosing your new design, or your fixtures and finishes, whereas boring paperwork can get left by the wayside. But as you will see, this step is actually extremely important for your safety and security, both physically in your new home and financially of you decide to sell in the future.
What Needs To Be Done
Your first step during this phase should be gathering the relevant documentation that you will need and ensuring that you haven’t forgotten anything. If you are working with a custom design build contractor, it’s likely that they will assist you with the paperwork and also help guide you in terms of what is required, which takes a lot of pressure off you. The main requirement is that you consult with the local municipal building department in your city and state and follow all their guidelines for your remodel addition.
Collecting The Documents
Once you have established what needed, it’s important to collect all these documents to present to the relevant department and to keep them with you throughout the design build process. Of course the amount of documents you need may differ depending on whether you’re conducting a whole house remodel or whether it’s just a single room. Once again, if you are using a licensed remodel contractor, they may assist with part or all of this process.
Submitting Them To The Relevant Authority
By this point you will have finalized your floor plans, elevations, details and, if applicable, mechanical and electrical drawings, lighting switch plans, and exterior elevations. You will need to have your final set of Construction Drawings as well as the specifications for your finishes and fixtures. Once you have the documents completed and the approval of your contractor, you will be able to submit your paperwork. If you are working with a high-end contractor they will usually handle the paperwork and permitting for you. These contractors know the right city officials to contact and what issues to address to get your permits pushed through in a timely fashion. This can speed up the process considerably.
Working With Your Contractor
Now you will also be able to get the final pricing from your contractor, and it will be necessary to sign them up to come on board to help you finalize your paperwork for submission. There may be a lead time from your local authority to wait on the paperwork, so make sure to keep this in mind when planning the timeline of your project. Once your plans have been approved, your contractor will be able to pick your permits up from the office, and the real work will begin.
Advantages Of Doing It Right
Taking care of the paperwork and permits has many benefits, despite the hassle it seems to cause. Ignoring local approval requirements not only poses safety and legal problems for your remodel, but can also cause serious issues of you wish to sell your home in the future.
During the closing for the sale of a house, homeowners have to disclose all remodels, and buyers can request that the relevant permits for any work done are produced. A failure to produce the permit for any work on the house could result in the bank refusing to give a loan to the potential home buyers, which can seriously hinder the sale of a house.
Getting your paperwork and permits done right ensures there is no stress if you decide to sell later on. Even better, working with a licensed contractor means they assist with the paperwork, taking the pressure off you and allowing you more time to think of the enjoyable aspects of your remodel.
Recent Comments