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Getting Started

Do It Yourself help and information for the homeowner and handyman. Most do it yourselfers have a good idea of the type of projects that their talents and skills will allow them to start complete. If you are going to tackle a project around the house make sure you understand the installation method and  plan ahead. Many do it yourselfers start projects and never finish,  which is a waste of time and money. you are better off waiting and hire a contractor when you can afford.

The best way to consider whether to do it yourself is to research on the products that your are going to install.

Home Improvements Planning  For Larger Projects

If you are planning an addition or major renovation to your home you will need a building permit and possibly an electrical and plumbing permits.

Planning for Home Improvements, Building Permits, Do It Yourself

If you are planning to do any major home improvements keep in mind that you will most likely have to apply for a local building permit in your municipality and possibly the state. Make an informal outline of the improvements and scope of work you are planning and list as many details possible. You will bring this outline with you on your first visit to the building dept to describe to the inspector your intent. Before you start searching for contractors go to your local building department and inquire about the type of building permits you may need for your project. The building official can inform you of any zoning issues or variances that may be required for the project. For do it yourself projects you have to apply for the permits yourself and supply all the information needed. Renovating or remodeling an existing room or area of your house may require different types of permits that you will have to apply for. For instance if you are planning to remodel your kitchen your locality may require an electrical permit, plumbing permit, building permit, fire inspection, and possibly a demolition permit.

Hiring a contractor - most contractors will apply for the building permits for you for a fee. When a contractor is applying for permits he is required in most towns to have engineered plans to submit with the permits showing all structural work, electrical work and plumbing work. This process can take from a couple of days to weeks to complete and varies by locality.

Do It Yourself - If you are planning to do the remodeling or home improvement project yourself you will be the acting general contractor and you will have to supply a set of plans to the building department showing the proposed work to be done. The information needed for applying for permits may include: property survey showing existing house and proposed addition, distance of proposed addition to property lines, general scope of work, total square footage of proposed addition if adding on space to your house, framing or structural plan, demolition plan, electrical work, plumbing work, change of use for the room to be remodeled and occupancy permit. The home owner may be allowed to submit their own hand drawn plans with the details to the building department without the need of a professional architect; this will vary by local municipal requirements. The permit fees will vary for each permit type and must be paid at time of application. The fees include the cost of onsite inspections for each building or subcode inspector. After all final inspections are complete you will need to apply for an occupancy permit and final inspection by building inspector and fire inspector in most cases.

Whether remodeling or building an addition, this is a list of structural plans that may be required to be submitted to the municipality; floor plan with dimensions, footings & foundations, framing plan with dimensional sizes of lumber for walls, floor joists, headers, roof rafters, exterior wall cross section showing dimensions, changes in existing exterior or interior walls or openings, relocation of appliances, roof openings, door and window openings. Exterior sidewalks, drives and site work must be included in the plans.

Planning is the key to make this process of applying for building permits go smoothly. Don’t get frustrated by the building departments or officials requests as they are protecting you and your property value to assure all residents in your community abide by the same building codes.

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