Top 10 FAQ

1. Do I need permits to remodel?
Answer: Yes. The local Departments of Building and Safety in your community will required permits for just about everything. Permits for remodeling are easy to obtain for a licensed contractor, and the city verifies a contractor’s credentials when he is pulling the permit.

2. Should the homeowner pull the permits for the contractor?
Answer: No. If you have a contractor that wants you to pull the permits, under the “ownerbuilder” clause, beware of this contractor. All contractors must produce their state contractors license, city business license and proof of workers’ compensation insurance to pull a permit.

3. Do I need architectural plans and permits for a room addition?
Answer: Yes. Homeowners will need an architect and/or engineer when adding square footage to any structure, or when modifying the structural system itself. For example: Let’s say you are remodeling the kitchen, and you wish to replace a 36” exterior door with a sliding patio door set-up that is six or eight feet wide. Naturally the opening will have to be enlarged to accommodate the larger door and when this happens the city wants plans and calculations. No plans are required when the size of the opening, for any window or door, remains the same.

4. Do I need architectural plans for remodeling my kitchen or bathroom?
Answer: No. As long as no modifications are being made to the structural system, such as removing a bearing wall, or enlarging an opening in the exterior wall. This is what we call an “express permit” and may be done online in certain cities.

5. Do I need architectural plans and permits for a deck?
Answer: Not Always. How high is the deck from the ground? If the deck is more than 32” from the ground, it will require plans and permits. If the deck is on a hillside, more than likely a soils test will be required along with the plan and permit.

6. Do I need permits to build a six foot block wall?
Answer: Yes. Almost all cities require permits for a six foot block wall, but garden walls and terracing do not require permits.

7. Can I build a six foot fence or wall in front of my house?
Answer: No. The standard code does not allow a six foot wall or fence in the front yard of your home. However, obtaining a city variance of the code is always an option, but a very long process and fairly expensive.

8. Do I need a permit to build a six foot fence along the side or back property line?
Answer: No. A wood fence along either side or the back of the house requires no permit; however, a block wall in most cities requires a permit (express permit, no architect or engineer).

9. How much do permits cost?
Answer: The cost will vary. From job to job, and city to city, the cost of the permits will vary to some extent; but, the cost of the permits is relatively inexpensive for the smaller projects. When you have an architect and engineer involved with the city, the cost will rise according the scope of the work. Typically, one half a percent to one percent is the approximate cost.

10. Why do I need permits for smaller remodel jobs?
Answer: Better safe than sorry. The city has roving inspectors that look for projects in their area, and they know who has permits and who doesn’t. If you are served with a “stop notice” for any work being done, there could be fines involved, rip out what you have done, restore to the original condition, pull permits anyway and this just causes havoc for both the customer and the general contractor. With permits, the work is inspected and passed if in compliance; therefore, the city inspection is designed to help the homeowner as well as the contractor. Piece of Mind !
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