When to Visit Your Local Building and Zoning Department
Typically if you’re just replacing something that already exists, such as appliances or floors, you don’t need any sort of permitting to do so. The big ticket items, like taking out a load bearing wall and other structural changes, will always require a permit. You’ll also need permitting for things that could affect public and personal safety such as changes to electrical, plumbing, or gas. Some people feel that their home is their castle and they should be able to do whatever they want, but that just isn’t the case.
Your homemade deck can collapse, improperly rerouted pipes can cause flooding, and shoddy electrical work could start a fire. Other people can be affected by your decisions, so it’s important to consider the long term consequences of short term convenience. The permitting process is generally fairly simple, so it’s worth putting in the effort to do things by the book.
Check with your local city and county permitting office to learn about the specific rules for your area. Many areas can even provide helpful lists and guidelines to make the process easier. Consider your local building and zoning department as a resource rather than an adversary. Use them to protect your family and your investment, rather than trying to sneak around them.
At Super Inspection Pros, we value the opportunity to provide peace of mind for you and your family through our detail oriented and thorough inspections. Hiring an experienced and licensed home inspector can help you avoid ending up in a situation where the new home you’ve worked so hard to obtain is riddled with surprises and code violations. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or to learn more.
