Going through the building permit process can be a slow, painful time with many frustrations along the way. It’s that one extra hoop for builders to jump through and one that feels like you have very little control over. The truth is, knowing some of the ins and outs ahead of time can help ease the process and possibly erase some of the frustration.
If the rules were very black and white, the process would possibly be easier. The trouble is that there is often so much room for interpretation, getting a permit can be a challenge. That said, as much as people hate waiting for permits, it is a crucial part of building and renovating. Public safety is on the line, so it’s all for a good purpose. Here is some building-permit-process red tape to be aware of and some tips on how to work through it.
Know Your Areas
There’s nothing more frustrating than thinking you’ve checked all the boxes and done everything right, only to have your building permit rejected for filling something out incorrectly. Each jurisdiction has its own set of rules and regulations. Knowing the ins and outs of the application process in your area(s) is a top priority. Forming a good rapport with those in the permit office will also help you to pick up some tips along the way.
Zoning and Building Code Know-How
Speaking of knowing your area, zoning and building codes can vary greatly from one municipality to another. To speed the permit process, you must keep up-to-date on all of the specifications for the area in which you’re working. If you are doing a large-scale project that spans more than one area, go area by area rather than trying to keep different rules straight in your head all at the same time.
Stay on Top of Updates
On your jurisdiction’s website, look for somewhere to sign up for email notifications regarding updated rules and regulations. Also, if you’re able to follow the jurisdiction on social media, you’ll have another opportunity to stay ahead of the game.
Try to Find Checklists
Many jurisdictions post permit checklists on their websites. The lists are usually set out to be specific to the type of project you’re doing. As long as you’ve given yourself a reasonable amount of time for the permit process, you should have a chance to run through the checklist before submitting it. Doing so should help eliminate snags.
Seeking Help
If you feel like you come up against a brick wall in the permit process and you don’t know where to turn, seek out a permit expeditor. These professionals are specifically trained to know the permit process of an area inside and out. They’ll guide you through the process to make it as painless as possible.
Give Your Clients an Advantage Too
While you’re becoming a building permit guru, you can offer your prospective clients an advantage of their own. Clients often look to contractors who offer financing so that they have more flexibility in what they can do. Contractor financing for customers in the home improvement industry can be provided easily by partnering with HFS Financial. The application process is just 60 seconds! Apply now or give us a call today and find out how you can easily offer contractor financing options for customers in your area!