Building Permit
#1
03-14-02, 01:36 PM
Building Permit
What is the process of obtaining a building permit to finish out a basement? Do you need one if you are only doing a small amount? What about inspections, are they included in the permit, or do you have to pay for that as well?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#2
03-14-02, 07:32 PM
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This is kind of a vague answer, but this is how it is. It depends on where you live. Some areas require all work to be done requires a permit, other areas do not. As a rule of thumb if you are NOT doing any plumbing, electrical or stuctural support work, you do not need a permit. You can check with your local zoning or building permit department.
#3
03-15-02, 01:28 PM
I'm framing the basement with steel studs and floating it ( I live in Colorado) so there is no structural modifications. I have an electrician bringing in 4 new lines. I was planning on doing the outletts and lighting myself and having him make the connection to the breaker box. There is 1 bathroom that needs the water lines droped and drain hooked up, same for the toilet. What of this can I do myself and what nees to be done by a licensed professional? Do I need a building permit for this or just an inspection before the sheetrock is put up?
Thank you!
Thank you!
#4
03-15-02, 06:35 PM
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You definitely need to get a permit before you start. You will likely need two inspections, one before the insulation and drywall is put up, and one when the job is finished. You are allowed to do as much or all of this job yourself as you feel qualified to do. There are many, many DIYers who have done this complete job themselves after adequate preparation. But there is a lot to learn if you want to do it right. Hundreds of codes will apply, and you need to follow them all.
#5
03-15-02, 07:43 PM
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#6
03-16-02, 01:48 PM
how do I go about obtaining a permit? Do I draw out a simple plan and take it into the city permitting office and ask for a permit? How much does it cost and how long do they take? You mentioned an inspection before the insulation is put in, is insulation necessary or required? I wasnt planning on putting in insulation. I appreciate your feedback, as I'm new to this and want to make sure I follow the codes and requirements to avoid any violations. Also, can I frame out the basement and then apply for the permit. What if the framing has already been completed?
Thanks!
Thanks!
#7
03-16-02, 05:30 PM
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Call your local building department for specific instructions. But it will go something like this.
Note that I have hit on most of the important code areas above. But clearly I've only scratched the surface of all the codes that you'll need to comply with.
- Draw up plans. They don't need to be professional, but they should be clear and be marked with measurements. Show all the walls and doors -- be sure to show the size of each door. If there is a bedroom, then your plans should demonstrate that you comply with egress requirements (5.7 square feet of openable space, at least 24" high and 20" wide with a sill of no more than 44", a window well at least 36" deep, and a permanently attached ladder to get out of the well). Show all the electrical receptacles, lighting and swithes. Demonstrate you comply with the rule requiring that every spot on the wall be no more than 6 feet from a receptacle. Show that receptacles in unfinished areas and bathrooms are GFCI protected. They'll want to see that each room has a switch-controlled light. Make sure to mark required smoke detectors -- one in the bedroom and one outside and show that they are interconnected with the others in your house. If doing any plumbing, show a plumbing plan with all measurements and pipe sizes. Demonstrate that you comply with venting requirements. Show the spacing of the fixtures in the bathroom, so they can see that you comply with the clearance requirements. Show how you are going to provide combustion air for the furnace, how many BTUs of gas-burning appliances you have, and the cross sectional area of the fresh air pipes. Show how you are going to provide firestopping and that you meet requirements for Type X rated drywall where necessary. Show locations of all heating vents and the return registers. Show ceiling heights.
- Take the plans to your building department, fill out all the forms, and submit a plan review fee (generally less than $50). If you are adding a bathroom, you will probably need to fill out a fixture unit form too. You'll need to know the size of your water meter and supply pipe, as well as a list of all existing water fixtures and drains. You'll also need to provide an estimated cost so you'll need to research various material costs.
- Once they approve your plans, you'll pay the permit fee, probably in the neighborhood of 5% of the estimated cost. They usually double your materials estimate to come up with a total estimate including the value of your labor.
- When you get the permit, be sure you understand the inspections required and how to call for them.
Note that I have hit on most of the important code areas above. But clearly I've only scratched the surface of all the codes that you'll need to comply with.
#8
03-19-02, 08:24 PM
Thanks John,
It seems our local city building permit office is quite easy to work with. I had actually started doing some of the work and they said no problem. I filled out the permit application and paid a small fee and submitted a few drawings of what I planned to do. I must say I feel much better doing this right. Especially when I go to sell my house. I'm sure the inspector will find a few things for me to correct, but it's well worth the sanity of knowing that our house was done to code. In our area the home owner can do the plumbing, electrical and framing. The only inspections are before the drywall and after ( for those 3 trades). Also, the taxes dont increase, if you already have usable space, it dosent matter if you improve upon.
Thanks for the advise!
It seems our local city building permit office is quite easy to work with. I had actually started doing some of the work and they said no problem. I filled out the permit application and paid a small fee and submitted a few drawings of what I planned to do. I must say I feel much better doing this right. Especially when I go to sell my house. I'm sure the inspector will find a few things for me to correct, but it's well worth the sanity of knowing that our house was done to code. In our area the home owner can do the plumbing, electrical and framing. The only inspections are before the drywall and after ( for those 3 trades). Also, the taxes dont increase, if you already have usable space, it dosent matter if you improve upon.
Thanks for the advise!
#11
03-28-02, 01:31 PM
and another note, I am doing the electrical, plumbing myself. There are 3 inspections I have to get done. Electrical, Plumbing, and now a mechanical to inspect the fact that my furnace and water heater will have enough "fresh air" since I am eclosing them in with a storage area. I need to get these 6" pipes that go directly to the outside....? Not sure how to do that.
As far as the "property tax increase" I have heard the same thing that you will be taxed, but thats from these bozos at work which don't have a clue... I would like to get a straight answer from someone if they know for sure as well.
As far as the "property tax increase" I have heard the same thing that you will be taxed, but thats from these bozos at work which don't have a clue... I would like to get a straight answer from someone if they know for sure as well.
#12
03-29-02, 04:17 AM
as said earlier - depends on where you live
As was said earlier - it depends on where you live. My taxes did not go up when I finished my basement. However, I live in a growing township in a growing county. ie) The tax base is growing fast enough that individuals don't need to be taxed more for small improvements.
But in other areas .... ? Remember that it is a local government issue. The feds don't have any say in it (Thank goodness!!) I'm not sure if the state can even say anything about it. Its up to the assessor in each county.
But in other areas .... ? Remember that it is a local government issue. The feds don't have any say in it (Thank goodness!!) I'm not sure if the state can even say anything about it. Its up to the assessor in each county.
