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Building Permits & The Process
How to pull a building
permit- Do I need a permit?
Keima Construction
will handle pulling all of the proper permits for your room
addition, kitchen remodel or home remodeling project. We make
this part of the job easy for you. Working with the city takes a
little bit of knowledge in the trades. Some cities will require
that you pull separate permits for different trades and others
will do what's called a 'combo permit' and this makes it a
little easier.

There is a mandatory
state school tax that is taxed on all room additions that are
500 sq. ft. or over and that fee varies a little depending on
your school zone. It doesn't matter if you have kids or not, it
is mandatory. This fee needs to be paid before you pull your
permits. You have to go to the building department first to pick
up the proper form.
Many contractors will
charge extra for the service of pulling your permits.
This is a service that is included when you hire Keima
Construction. The entire process can take several hours, to a
half a day and sometimes several trips back to the building
department.
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Step1
Find out if you
need a permit. Small jobs--such as interior painting-- don't
require one. On the other hand, projects involving
construction, repair, improvement, modification or demolition
usually mandate a permit. You may also need separate
electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits. Call your city's
building inspection office if you have any doubts.
Ask what you need
to do to get the permit. Simple projects-- adding an outdoor
light, for instance--may only require an over-the-counter
permit if any at all. However, if the job calls for any
addition, alteration or construction of a new structure, you
may be required to have an architect submit formal plans
before a building permit is issued. The architect will pull
the permits for you (or at least help).
Head down to your
city's building department for the appropriate paperwork. Some
will have forms available on their sites for download that you
can fax or mail in.
When you're ready
to officially apply for the permit, bring along blueprints,
architectural drawings, necessary installation literature from
manufacturers, and the license number of the contractor doing
the work. Most building departments will want to verify that
the contractor has general liability insurance and proof of
worker's compensation coverage, so get copies of those in
advance to speed the approval process.
See
How to Hire
a Builder.
Pay up. Rates
will vary according to the community but fees are pegged to
the total value of the project. For example, expect to pay a
few hundred dollars for a project costing $20,000.
Post the permit
in the front window of your home or job site.
Depending on the
size of the project, you may need to schedule interim
inspections with the building department. Smaller projects,
such as installing a wood stove, generally require one
inspection on completion, but larger projects may have ten to
twenty progress inspections.
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If a grading permit is
required for your project, inspections and clearance of the
initial grading work by Public Works inspectors will precede any
building construction inspections.
The
following construction inspections may be required:
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Foundation Inspection:
When the excavation for footings is complete and footing forms
and required reinforcing steel and structural embodiments are
in place, but before any concrete is placed. (Also needed are
separate underground electrical, plumbing and mechanical
inspections).
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Roof Sheathing Inspection:
When all roof framing members are installed and the plywood or
other sheathing is complete. All plumbing and mechanical vents
are installed and flashed.
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Wood Framing Inspection:
When all roof, walls and floor framing, fire blocking, draft
stopping and all pipes, chimney, vents and duct work are in
place, but before any work is covered. Wood framing inspection
will not be approved until rough mechanical, electrical, and
plumbing inspections are completed.
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Insulation Inspection:
When all thermal insulation is in place but before it is
concealed. Inspect state energy requirements stated on the
approved plans.
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Lath and/or Gypsum Board Inspection:
After all lath and gypsum board is in place but before any
stucco is applied, or before gypsum board joints and fasteners
are taped and finished.
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Reinforced Masonry Inspection:
In grouted masonry before any units are laid up, all steel
must be tied and in place ready for concrete foundation pour.
Grout inspection is required after units are laid. Final
inspection is required after cells are grouted and cap is
installed.
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Structural Steel Inspection:
When structural steel members are in place and required
connections are complete but before concealing any members or
connections. Certificates of Compliance are to be given to the
City Inspector.
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Re-roof Inspection:
Sheathing inspection and building final inspection. See the
Re-roofing
Requirements
handout for more details.
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Electrical Inspection:
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Underground: After
conduit or cable has been installed in trench but not
covered.
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Rough wiring:
Before any part of the work is concealed and prior to
framing inspection. Telephone, television, intercom,
security, doorbell and thermostat cable need to be in place
for rough inspection. Compliance with
Title 24
Requirements for Residential Lighting
is checked.
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Final: When all
fixtures, appliances, and systems are in place and
connected.
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Plumbing Inspections:
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Underground or
sub-floor plumbing: After material has been installed and
tested, including sewer. Sewer Cap, is inspected for
demolition projects.
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Rough plumbing:
Before any part of the work is concealed (including shower
pan hot mop), prior to framing inspection and after roofing
is installed. (Water
Heater Installations).
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Gas piping test:
After lath or gypsum board has been installed.
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Shower pan.
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Final: After all
fixtures are in place and connected.
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Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
Inspections:
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Underground/Sub-floor duct inspection.
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Rough: Before any
part of the work is concealed, metal fireplace rough, prior
to framing inspection and after roofing is installed.
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Final: All
appliances and equipment are in place and connected.
Performance test may be required.
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VERY IMPORTANT:
Public Works and Fire Department sign off may be
required prior to requesting a Building Final Inspection.
See the inspection job card, contact the city inspector if you
are not sure these inspections are necessary.
Final Inspections:
Call for final
inspection when the construction has been completed. All
external surfaces must be painted, or otherwise sealed,
weather-stripping must be installed on all new windows and
doors, and all electrical or plumbing fixtures have been
installed. Interior painting, wallpapering, or carpeting need
not be complete. Smoke detectors must be installed in all
bedrooms, located at the top of a staircase and in the
hallway/corridor leading to the bedrooms. You will need an
address on the front of your house, a mail box & water heater
straps in place.
Certificate of Occupancy:
Residential projects will not receive a C of O as your signed
job card is your proof of final inspection/approval.
NOTE:
The above is an average, there may be some more inspections
required for your project. Check your permit card closely and
have it interpreted by the City if you don't understand it.
EXAMPLE:
Some cities required you to call for a 'scratch coat' inspection
for the plaster and others don't require it.
How to
hire a Contractor? |
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