A building permit is an official approval by the local jurisdiction to proceed with a construction project. It is intended to ensure that the project plans comply with local standards for land use, zoning and construction to ensure the safety for current and future owners. Every jurisdiction has their own… View Article The post Understanding Building Permits for Homeowners appeared first on Scout Services.

Understanding Permits

Building Permit – A building permit is an official approval by the local jurisdiction to proceed with a construction project. It is intended to ensure that the project plans comply with local standards for land use, zoning and construction to ensure the safety for current and future owners. Every jurisdiction has their own unique requirements.

The Permit Process

  1. Property Owner Identifies Desired Project
  2. Contractor Designs Project
  3. Submit Permit Applications & Plans
  4. Municipality Approves & Issues Permit
  5. Construction & Inspection
  6. Municipality Closes Permit

Scout Services works in any jurisdiction on any project size to secure building permits on behalf of our customers. Our Customer Advocate Team manages the entire process working one-on-one with the builder and the municipality. We ensure that submittal packages are compliant and complete and make certain that review times are tracked and monitored on an ongoing basis until the permit is issued. The true value of hiring a permit expediting company like Scout Services is to free up your time and energies in order to focus on getting your project off the ground on time and on budget.

Helpful Tips for Property Owners

  • Know Your Local Municipality
    • Are you in an Historic district?
    • Many permit rules change depending on whether your property falls within city or county limits or within an historic/landmark district.
  • Make sure you choose contractors who are licensed in your Municipality
    • Delays with the permit approval are often because contractors aren’t registered or have expired insurance or bonds.
  • Know how much of your home can be remodeled before your municipality requires you to have entire home updated to the latest codes
    • Generally, home remodel projects are exempt from more stern and costly requirements of new construction codes. However, if the addition or renovation is extensive, the new codes will often be required and enforced.
  • Make sure not to have any open invoices or fees due to your municipality
    • Any unpaid balances will hold up the issuance of a permit.
  • The sale of the home or land be should be completed and recorded before submitting permit applications
    • Many permit applications will not be accepted if the ownership has not been finalized with the municipality.
  • If additions are being made to the home, be aware of the additional services that would be required by the Municipality
    • Surveys, inspections, and testing could all increase time and raise the budget of the project.

Scout Services helps homeowners avoid costly mistakes by providing professional permitting services. National reach. Local knowledge.