The Ins and Outs of Basement Permitting

If you are going to finish off your basement space then understanding your local laws regarding permits is an important topic to tackle. This is a somewhat difficult topic to understand simply because each town and jurisdiction has its own laws and policies when it comes to permitting.

As a general rule to follow, if you are doing any structural work or if you are changing the overall living area of your home, you should seek a permit for the project. If you are simply fixing a bedroom or play room and it is a minor project, you likely do not need to obtain a permit. Usually there are four types of permits required by most local government offices:

• Building Permit - for structural and architectural aspects of the project
• Plumbing Permit
• Mechanical Permit - for heating and air conditioning
• Electrical Permit

Ask a Basement Professional

Seeking the advice of a local basement remodeling company is the safest way to go when it comes to permits. If the contractor you work with is licensed, he or she will be intimately familiar with the local laws and regulations pertaining to your project. If you need help finding someone you can trust, we offer free basement remodeling price quotes from licensed basement contractors to get you started.

Mechanical Contractors for your Basement Project

If your project requires professional help from a licensed mechanical contractor such as an electrician or a plumbing and heating & cooling specialist, you will likely need a permit due to the professional requirements of these contractors. In general, you should seek professional assistance in these mechanical areas of the project to avoid costly damages from flooding or fire.

How to Get a Permit Yourself

If you've been assigned the task of obtaining a permit for your basement remodeling project, there are some guidelines you should follow to make sure you get it on time and to make sure you are following local laws. First, make sure you allow enough time to get a permit. Getting a permit can often take several weeks so be sure to allow enough time for the permit to be issued. Second, make sure you have properly prepared your plans and researched your project. You need to be sure you detail precisely what you plan to do with the added space as well understand your local zoning requirements. Finally, obtain your permit application from your local government office and submit it for approval. Once reviewed and processed, you will likely receive the approval from the city or county office. Remember, if you decide to hire a professional, they should be able to take care of all of this for you making your job easier--this is the recommended route to take.

The Long Term Benefits of Permitting Your Basement

If you plan on selling your home at some point, you should be aware that you will not be able to count the extra square footage gained from your new basement unless the project was properly permitted. This can be a large blow to home sellers especially since the basement typically adds quite a bit of square footage to a house. Since larger homes typically sell for more, you'll be losing out on all that potential profit from your home sale. Don't try to cut corners when it comes to following your local zoning and permitting laws--you'll be glad you didn't when it comes time to sell!