What are Typical Construction Codes & Permits Pulled By a General Contractor?
Homeowners who plan for a home improvement project have to address several issues, such as how much to spend and what type of color to paint a bedroom wall. They hire general contractors to address other important issues such as ordering the correct amount of supplies and hiring subcontractors to work on specific trades such as plumbing and roofing. One area that both a homeowner and a general contractor like Mares & Dow must address concerns codes and permits.
In other words, what are typical construction codes and permits pulled by a general contractor?
Homeowners do not have to worry about pulling the codes and permits, which is one of the most important reasons why you should hire a general contractor who specializes in completing complex home improvement projects. Bureaucratic red tape can be highly frustrating to navigate, which means an experienced general contractor represents an essential hire to plow through the red tape that can cause construction delays. For example, a skylight contractor has to meet certain codes that allow for the installation of skylights.
Homeowners just need to know that the general contractor has pulled the correct codes and permits. You should ask for a list for reference during the home improvement project. However, one type of permit is important for homeowners to understand.
The Most Important Permit: Building Permit
City and county governments grant written authorizations that allow a general contractor like Mares & Dow to start a construction project. The purpose of issuing a building permit is to ensure the safety of the homeowner, contractors, and neighbors, as well as that the general contractor complies with every zoning and construction code.
Not every construction project requires the acquisition of a building permit. Every municipality and county government establishes codes according to regional issues. For example, building codes in Florida typically require homeowners to achieve structural stability that withstands certain hurricane conditions. A home in a more rural region might have to comply with codes that are centered around using fire prevention materials.
Home improvement projects that require a building permit include removing walls, changing pipes, and installing a new roof. On the other hand, home improvement projects that usually do not require a building permit include painting your house, replacing certain appliances, and putting up a small fence. In addition to obtaining a building permit, you also might have to acquire special system permits, such as plumbing, electrical, and/or mechanical.
What Are the Steps for Obtaining a Building Permit?
Although homeowners are not required to obtain building permits, understanding how the process works can ease any anxiety generated by a home improvement project.
The first step in the building permit process is to submit a fully completed application. Next, the general contractor managing your project prepares a site plan. If your project is complex, the general contractor might have to hire an architect to create the blueprint for the project. The general contractor then schedules an appointment to discuss the project with the appropriate government official or officials. The governing body might approve the project plan at the time of the meeting or you might have to wait several days or even weeks to hear back from the governing body. After approval of the project, the general contractor receives the permit and then begins scheduling inspections before gaining formal approval to start work on your project.
The permit approval process also varies by region, with large cities typically applying tougher construction codes to account for the development of commercial structures.