Last Updated on November 4, 2024 by Advance Design Studio – Home Remodeling

Obtaining a construction permit can seem like an extra hurdle, but it’s an essential step that ensures your project meets local codes and standards. By following this process, you can ensure that your project adheres to local regulations, protects your investment, and contributes to the safety and integrity of your property.

PERMITTING YOUR HOME RENOVATION PROJECT

Residential building permit requirements are set by the village or county jurisdiction that you live in. In most cases, a permit is required for any home alteration, large or small, that involves structural or mechanical changes (walls moving, plumbing, electrical, HVAC). Although we are adept at navigating many different building departments, we must still inquire thoroughly about each project to stay on top of regularly changing code requirements.

WHAT PERMIT MANAGEMENT INCLUDES:

At Advance Design, we take the hassle out of the permitting process by managing every aspect for you. Below is a detailed look at what our permit management includes.

RESEARCH VILLAGE REQUIREMENTS: We investigate unique village regulations and codes to ensure compliance.

BUILDING CODES: We ensure that all layouts and plans meet the necessary building codes to prevent costly revisions down the line.

CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION: We verify that all subcontractors involved in your project are registered and licensed in your village. We submit licenses and letters of intent for each contractor.

DOCUMENT PROCUREMENT: We gather all required architectural plans and plat of surveys for your project permit.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION: We package and submit the permit application, with all required documents, letters of intent, drawings, and prints, often via in-person drop-off and pick-up.

REVISIONS/SUPPLEMENTARY INFO: If needed, we will revise or provide any additional information required by your village during permit evaluation.

INSPECTIONS: We schedule and attend all required village inspections, including rough-in construction, mid-construction, and post-construction inspections.

For a modest one-time fee of $250, our clients find that having one team manage the permitting process is well worth it. Our goal is to streamline this critical aspect of your project, prevent wasted time and headaches for you, and give you peace of mind.

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RISKS OF NOT PERMITTING:

Many first-time renovators ask, “Why should I permit my project, and what can happen if I don’t?” It’s crucial to understand that permitting ensures all work completed at your home meets safety codes and is completed correctly. Ultimately, it serves as a safeguard for your investment.

Here are some key points to consider:

RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY: Projects completed without permits are done at the homeowner’s sole risk. This can lead to village fines, work being halted, or even the removal of unpermitted work to bring your project in line with village requirements.

INSPECTOR ACCESS: Contractors cannot prevent local inspectors from entering your home. Inspectors often patrol neighborhoods and may stop by job sites if they see work trucks and open doors. If they find unpermitted work, it can lead to immediate repercussions.

FUTURE INSPECTIONS: Non-compliant work previously done on your home can be flagged during inspections, requiring corrections either during your project or after. This can complicate future home sales if a home inspector discovers unpermitted work, potentially jeopardizing the sale.

PUBLIC RECORDS: Permit records are publicly available and remain on file for the life of the home. Any non-compliance issues will be documented, affecting your property’s value and marketability.

FINANCIAL LIABILITY: Any expenses related to permit fees, penalties, or additional required work from the village due to unpermitted projects fall solely on the homeowner. If an unpermitted project is discovered and halted, you could face significant delays and added costs.

Ultimately, the decision to permit is yours. At Advance Design, we ensure all our work is properly licensed and adheres to required codes, regardless of permit requirements. It’s worth noting that most industry experts caution homeowners against contractors who suggest working without a permit. Safeguarding your investment is our priority, and we’re here to help you navigate this process!

permitting advance design studio

PERMIT COSTS/BILLING:

Your village determines the cost of your construction permit. Sometimes this is a percentage of the project, and some villages require a flat fee to submit (a viewing fee) and then add the rest of their fees once approved. If your village requires a viewing fee, this is typically around $50, and some villages charge an extra $5 for every 10 square feet that exceeds 100 square feet.

Permit amounts vary greatly from village to village.  We know this sounds extreme, but we can tell from experience that the same project permit in one village could be a few hundred dollars and several thousand dollars in another village.  It may be possible to predict approximate ballpark permit fees by viewing whatever information is provided by your village online, but in our experience, the only reliable answer comes when a permit is submitted and the village releases billing.

At Advance Design, village permit fees are submitted on a separate billing after being received by the village.  Amounts are not included in project proposals upfront because permit amounts are not yet known until a project is submitted in its entirety.

    PERFORMANCE BONDS:

    Some villages require a performance bond sometimes referred to as a “road bond” for your project, depending on village requirements and the size and scope of your project. If a bond is required, a major benefit at Advance Design is that we will provide it for you at no extra cost. Bonds are essentially an insurance policy we must purchase to ensure that we as the general contractor remain responsible should anyone on our team damage village utilities and/or property during construction.

    Bonds are handled differently per village.  We’ve supplied bonds over the years between $1,000-$10,000 depending on the project magnitude. Bonds can be required either before or after permit submission. Our team will research your village’s requirements and handle any required bonds. If you partner with a contractor who does not handle bonds, you will have to provide your project bond on your own.

    PERMIT ACCESS:

    Our team will share a copy of all permit-related documents with you via Buildertrend, our client project portal. This includes a copy of your approved plans, the permit plaque/print for your home, and inspection reports. If your village sends a permit/project close letter to our team after final inspections are passed, this will also be available on Buildertrend for viewing.

    permitting with advance design studio

    HOW LONG DOES THE PERMIT PROCESS TAKE?

    Several factors impact the time it takes for our team to prepare your permit and your village to review and issue your permit. In our experience, villages take an average of 3-4 weeks to process your permit application, but the village review process often runs longer for larger projects and some villages have longer lead times. Larger projects that go through a formal review process can take weeks, and sometimes months to complete and receive. 

    Our team will stay in consistent communication with your village and do everything we can to get your permit through the system. Kitchen and bath permits are more standardized and often move through the system quicker, while larger projects are much more involved and take time to meet specific village standards.

    Depending on the magnitude of your project, further demands may be made by the village to provide more information, request engineering consultations, and revise architectural plans. Sometimes a committee review is required for setbacks, zoning issues, and HOA approvals.  Each project is unique, and ADS works with your village until every requirement is satisfied.

    WHY DESIGN-BUILD FOR PERMITTING?

    Partnering with a team that manages all aspects of your project, including the intricate details of your permit, is a vital part of our Common Sense Remodeling process. At Advance Design, we aim to streamline your remodeling experience and ensure your project runs smoothly. This allows you to focus on what truly excites you about your renovation.

    Let us handle the paperwork and logistics so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience. Your project is important to us, and we’re dedicated to making it as enjoyable and stress-free as possible! If you have any questions about your project’s pending permit, reach out to the ADS design team and they can answer any questions you may have.

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