Many homeowners unwisely or unluckily fail to pull required building permits for repairs or improvements to property.
Sometimes those decisions can come back to haunt when issues arise at time of sale, or in extreme cases, property is damaged and people get hurt.
The Los Angeles Times recently reported that the cause of the devastating Valley fire in Napa was faulty wiring to a residential hot tub apparently installed without a building permit.
Realtors see cases of unsafe wiring jerry-rigged by homeowners all the time during property inspections.
Unpermitted work could invalidate your homeowner’s insurance after a fire or flood. Get the job done right by hiring qualified professionals and pulling the necessary permits.
The general requirements for when you need to obtain a building permit can be found in the California Building Code, a version of the Uniform Building Code, updated to 2010. I recommend that you look it over and err on the side of caution.
Permits are the ways cities and counties regulate construction and protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction. The building inspector comes on site to make sure the work is done to code.
Yes, getting permits require fees and extra time to schedule the inspection. Contractors will often downplay the importance of obtaining permits to keep the cost low for homeowners. But don’t think they have your best interests in mind. Contractors who get permits must be licensed, bonded and have workers compensation insurance.
If you hire an unlicensed handyman, you can pull the permit as the homeowner and have the city inspector check the work for code compliance.
What don’t you need a permit for?
Not needed: Clearing of stoppages or repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of toilets, as long as repairs do not require the replacement or rearrangement of the valves or pipes.
Also painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
Sidewalks, driveways and fences not over 6 feet high are no worry, nor for one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds or playhouses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
We all try to rein in costs when completing a home improvement project, but be smart about when you need to pull permits and be safe.
Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties Glendora 626 926-9700 adrianad@podley.com
