Construction projects are very exciting. They are always a road to something good. It can be your dream home, home extension, or business development. However, every good thing is hard to reach. Before you start working on your project, there is one step you can’t skip. Yes, it’s a construction permit. Obtaining a construction permit is a legal requirement for every construction project. No one likes to deal with bureaucracy and legal work, but it is what it is. Without this step, you are at risk of fines and unnecessary delays. So, to avoid all of this, prepare yourself for this journey. If you don’t know what’s coming, don’t worry. Here is everything you need to know about obtaining a construction permit.
Prepare and Research
The first step is to do deep research. As with every other thing, every city and country has different laws and requirements for construction permits. You should research what exactly you need for your project. Here’s a tip: make a call to the local building department and ask directly what is required. They will probably tell you about site plans, blueprints, and engineering reports. One important thing is that you can always hire a construction permit expeditor if this feels like a lot to you. Some people don’t want to spend months getting things from the list done, so this can be very helpful. Expeditors are experts in the permit process and can save a lot of time and stress. If your project is a complicated one or you don’t have a lot of free time, give this a thought!
Get the Plans
If you work with an architect or contractor, you can skip this part. Why? Because they will get it done for you. However, if you decide to continue on your own, the next step is to get detailed plans for your project. What does this include? Architectural drawings, site plans, engineering reports… Just make sure that every plan is detailed and meets all local building codes. Also, remember that your plans will probably be reviewed by multiple departments. Zoning, fire safety, environmental agency – they all can review it, so it should have as many details as possible.
Submit Your Application
Got your plans ready? Great! Now is the time to submit your application. What does this include? Well, you will fill out the form, pay a fee (yes, there is a fee), and turn in your plans. Every case is different, so in certain cases, you will be able to submit the application online, while in other cases, you will need to go and submit it in person. Before you go, check that you have all the required documents. If you don’t, you will just waste your time and end up rejected. Double-check everything to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Wait Until the Review Is Done
Once you submit your application, the next phase is the review phase. This is a stage when the building department checks your plans. They want to check if everything is compliant with local codes and regulations. How long will this take? We can’t guarantee anything. This process depends on the place where you live and the complexity of your project. In some places, the review is done in only a few weeks. In some places, it takes months and months. If there is any missing information or revisions needed, the building department will contact you during this phase. Don’t stress if this happens! It is a normal part of the process. Just make the necessary changes or provide the missing information and resubmit your application as soon as possible.
Addressing Neighbor and Community Concerns
Sometimes, you will need to address neighbor and community concerns. This is mostly the case with larger projects. You should attend a public hearing or meeting with a zoning board. Here, you will explain the details of your project and how exactly it will impact the area. Just be prepared to answer all the questions. If you have any additional information to tell, even better! This part will go smoothly if you are well-prepared. It’s also a very good idea to be honest and talk openly with neighbors. This way, both sides will hear the story, and there will be no place for surprises or objections later.
Schedule Inspections
Once the review is done, your permit is approved, and construction begins, what is the next step? Well, you need to schedule inspections during the whole duration of the project. Inspection should be done during different stages. It is a very important thing because the inspections will check if the work is done according to approved plans and local codes. Some common points that will be inspected are foundation work, framing, plumbing, electrical, and final completion. If everything is fine, you will get the green light. If it’s not – well, you will need to make adjustments before you can move forward. It’s very important to do everything in your power so the inspections go smoothly. You don’t want any unnecessary delay.
Get Your Final Approval
After the final inspection passes and all the work is done, you’ll get your final approval. What does this mean? This means that your project is officially completed. It is definitely compliant with all local regulations, so congrats! However, keep all documentation just in case. Keep your permit and inspection reports as well, all in a safe place. You might need these documents if you decide to sell the property or make any changes in the future.
We know that the process of obtaining a construction permit is no one’s favorite part of the project. Unfortunately, it is a necessary thing to do. Yes, it can last very long, and yes, it can be frustrating… But – if you know exactly which stages you will go through and what documentation you need, you’ll get through it much easier. And, of course, there is always the option to hire a professional if you don’t want to bother with this much. They can be real lifesavers.
