How to Ensure That You Don't Fall Foul of Building Permit Inspectors
Some people don't take too kindly to excessive regulation or imposing rules. However, some of those statutes are in place for a very good reason—to help to make society a much safer place—and this is certainly the case when it comes to building permits. If you're about to embark on a somewhat complex building project, why do you need to ensure that your paperwork is all in order?
The Permitting Process
Governments want to regulate building work for several reasons. First and foremost, they want to ensure that the structure is well planned, that the materials are suitable and that it will be perfectly safe for all involved. Secondly, they want to make sure that each neighbourhood is controlled and is set out in logical fashion, and that adjacent property owners are taken care of as part of the process.
You may understand this from a big-picture perspective, but you are, quite rightly, focused on the extent of your project. You may be pouring a lot of money into this and want to get on with the job as quickly as possible, but you must ensure that you have the right building permit before you begin.
Worst-Case Scenario
Some people have found out what happens when they do not get the right type of permit in advance. The regulations are quite clear, and the outcome can be very disappointing if you are forced to dismantle the entire building due to inconsistencies.
Added Complexity
Sometimes, you may need several different permits, especially if the project is quite unusual. Each one of these may take a certain amount of time to be approved, but you must allow for this as you plan your construction timetable.
Application Process
Don't forget that there is a specific process involved and, typically, you must present all your projections, drawings and any other documents at the same time as you lodge the permit. Assuming that you have paid the appropriate fee and received a receipt, you will then be able to track the progress of your permit application through an online portal.
Ongoing Work
Once the certificate has been issued, you will typically need to display it at the worksite in a central location. From time to time, government inspectors will visit to check that the work is progressing in accordance with the rules, and when they do so, they will annotate the permit accordingly. Should any changes need to be made, then this information will also be added at that time.
The Better Approach
As you can see, there is a lot on the line here, and you cannot afford to make any mistakes along the way or circumvent the rules in any case. This is why it's important for you to work with a building permit professional—they can help you avoid these problems.
