| The housing and home improvement industries usually | | | | Building permits trigger inspections of the plans and the |
| experience their busiest seasons in the spring as | | | | work to make sure it all adheres to building codes. |
| buyers are waking up from the winter lull to do | | | | Building codes are a minimum set of standards for the |
| business and home owners decide to make some | | | | design, materials and building techniques created |
| major improvements or renovations before trying to | | | | specifically to protect the health and safety of anyone |
| sell or just to enjoy the spring and summer in their | | | | occupying buildings. Codes typically are set locally |
| refurbished backyard patio or skylight den. | | | | based on local building conditions." |
| It is commonly known that the best time to save | | | | You will want to obtain a permit to ensure all the |
| money on home improvement projects is in the winter | | | | necessary codes are met during the project but also |
| when there is less demand for them but waiting until | | | | to protect yourself legally in case you are caught |
| the spring may not only cost you more money but | | | | without one. The permit police are not likely to |
| more time as well. | | | | randomly knock on your door on a Monday morning |
| The article, "Why You Need A Building Permit, And | | | | and ask for your building permit but there are certain |
| Fast," written by Broderick Perkins and published in the | | | | events and situations that may prompt them to do so. |
| February 26, 2007 edition of Realty Times explains | | | | "A home buyer's home inspector could uncover home |
| why you need to get your building permit as soon as | | | | improvement work -- good or bad -- and request the |
| possible. | | | | home's permit record to determine the quality of the |
| The longer you wait to get a builder permit for your | | | | work." |
| home improvement project, the longer the lines and | | | | "An appraiser may seek permit records to learn if |
| approval wait will be. Any delay could cost you a lot | | | | significant renovations should affect the value of a |
| more money when it comes time to find the best | | | | home." |
| contractor and purchase the necessary materials. | | | | And most home sellers are required by law to disclose |
| And as the lines get longer, your patience may grow | | | | any items, such as improvements that could affect the |
| shorter, which could ultimately sacrifice your project's | | | | home's selling value. Failure to do so because of lack |
| outcome. | | | | of permit will cost much more than just the permit if |
| "Smart home owners have caught on and are | | | | you are caught. |
| snatching up contractors and supplies at the best | | | | "You could have to pay for the cost of any |
| prices and a spring rush on fix-ups could leave you | | | | inspections required to make a further determination. |
| behind the eight ball." | | | | You also could be forced to dismantle some of the |
| This year, home improvement spending could become | | | | work, say, excavate dirt along the foundation, tear |
| much higher than past years for numerous reasons | | | | down sheet rock or take other steps so the inspector |
| other than more home owners deciding to stay and fix | | | | can look at framing, insulation, wiring, plumbing or other |
| up their home instead of entering a weak market. | | | | systems." |
| "Aging homes in disrepair from deferred maintenance, | | | | You will also most likely face penalties and fines as |
| home owners with equity to burn, more home owners | | | | well as jeopardize your credibility with the prospective |
| than ever, and more younger and minority home | | | | buyer. |
| owners fixing up their first homes, all add to the | | | | Purchase your permit as early as possible to avoid |
| potential for a spring building boom." | | | | long lines and contractor delays. Your timely and cost |
| Basically every home improvement project, large or | | | | efficient improvement project will be your reward. |
| small, requires the acquiring of a building permit. | | | | |