Friday, July 27, 2018
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Thursday, July 19, 2018
Monday, July 16, 2018
What is a building permit and why do you need one?
Are you thinking of doing construction or demolition on your home, building an addition, or altering the structure in any way? Well, it’s likely you’re going to need a building permit to do any of the following.
Many property owners and some contractors feel that they can make changes without a permit; however, local Building Official’s have the legal authority to require permits and impose penalties on a property owner and contractors for being non-compliant. Don’t let this be you!
Here is some information to be aware of when it comes to getting permits and why it’s extremely important to do so.
What is a building permit?
A building permit is your formal permission to begin the construction, demolition, addition or renovation on your property. This issued by the local governmental agency which will then allow you or your contractor to proceed with a construction or remodeling project on your property. It’s there to ensure that the project plans to comply with the local standards for land use, zoning, and construction.
These standards are intended to ensure the safety of current and future owners and occupants of the home or building and to provide enforcement of zoning and land use policies.
As part of the Building Permit process, your local city staff must review your plans to ensure they comply with the specific Building Code, local Zoning By-laws and other Applicable Law.
Why is a building permit important to have?
There are multiple reasons why it is important to obtain the required building permit(s) and to obtain the required inspections for your construction or project. Sure, you could do the job without permits, but here are a few important reasons you should never do that.
Safety
The main purpose of obtaining a permit is to ensure there is safety compliance. By enforcing proper safety standards, you and other occupants working on the site are guaranteed the best chance to avoid any accidents or issues during the construction process.
Keep Your Contractor Honest
If you hire a contract without first obtaining a permit, they may be inclined to cut corners. This is especially important to keep in mind if a contractor seems very cost-oriented. A residential building permit will ensure that a contractor uses safe and standard methods.
Adds Value When Selling Your Home
Your home or business is an investment. If you perform renovations on your home without a permit, a potential buyer will definitely find out. If you’re selling your home, you should be able to provide legal proof that you performed all renovations with the proper permits or your resale value can decrease.
Keeps Your Insurance Valid
If you were to build something without a permit and make a mistake or sustain an injury, your insurance may not cover it. However, building with a permit guarantees that you understand the risks involved and that you’ve received explicit permission to move forward with your project.
Ultimately It’s the Law
Work requiring permits are made such by your specific City of residence. Work without a permit may be subject to removal or other costly remedies.
How to obtain and apply for a permit(s)?
After deciding that you want to do some work on your home, what is the next step? Now it’s time to get the permit so you can start working. Based on the type of work you’re going to be doing specific documentations, drawings, and paperwork may vary (please discuss with your city’s office).
Building permits are only issued when:
- your property is correctly zoned for your intended use
- your property is registered
- your building plans conform to the building bylaw, zoning bylaw, the development permit or approved variances to the bylaw
- your application form is completed, all other requirements are met and permit fees are paid in full
Make note that the requirements for permits vary widely from region to region, though, and the only way you can tell for sure if a permit is required is to call your local building office and describe the work you want to do.
What permits do I need for the project I am doing?
In addition to an application form completed and signed by the property owner or representative, applicants must submit fully detailed sets of plans drawn to scale with the following information depending on the type of work to be done. Please note that you may be required to submit further documentation and that plans must be drawn to scale, be clear and legible and indicate the nature and extent of the work. Here is a list of some items you’ll need depending on your project:
Single Family Dwelling and Two Family Dwelling, Attached Garage, Detached Garage and Sheds (including carports), require the following:
- Site Plan
- Foundation Plan
- Floor Plan
- Cross Section (showing all structural details and finishes)
- All Elevations (all sides of the buildings)
Additions to your home:
- Site Plan
- Foundation Plan
- Floor Plan
- Cross Section (showing all structural details and finishes)
- Applicable Elevations
- Differentiation between new and existing construction
Please call your local office for further information regarding the above.
How long will it take to process a building permit application?
Your application will be reviewed to ensure that the proposed work complies with the building code and zoning bylaws, and that all other documentation required is accurate and up-to-date. A general “turnaround time” can be anywhere between 14 to 21 days for applications (depending on your city). This also depends on the work being done and if all documentation is submitted. If not, you will need to provide additional/sufficient paperwork and documentations, which can ultimately delay the process by months upon resubmission. You must not start work until after the building permit is issued.
When you should apply
It is best to get your application in right away when considering doing work on your property to avoid any delays in construction.
What are the Fees and Charges for a Building Permit?
Fees and charges for building permits are dependent on a variety of factors including but not limited to type of project, location and services needed to complete the scope of work. Overall, this cost is going to be based on the total value of construction. This will also vary depending on the city at which you reside or where the project is taking place. *It is not possible to provide a complete list of fees and charges prior to the review of the application. One factor that is universal when it comes to permits is their necessity.
The City’s Building staff is available to assist you in figuring out just what kind of permits and fees you will need in order to complete your project in a timely and cost-effective manner. Applicants are always advised to wait for staff to complete the review before determining any sort of final permit fees.
When do you need a permit?
Building permits are usually required for building or renovating work, that include the following but are not limited too:
- All new construction, including accessory buildings (garage, carport, garden shed etc.) that are permitted outright (specifically allowed) by your zoning
- All temporary buildings
- Remodeling or constructing a new deck/patio
- Constructing a swimming pool
- Additions or alterations to existing buildings, including:
- Moving interior walls and partitions
- Moving existing plumbing, electrical or gas lines
- Installing new plumbing, electrical or gas lines
- Making structural repairs or changes that are permitted outright (specifically allowed) by your zoning
- Some “hard” landscaping features, such as fences or retaining walls
When you don’t need a building permit?
Work that does not require a permit, still needs to comply with the City’s Bylaws and the specified Building Code. You do not need a permit when you are:
- Replacing fixtures, cabinets, and flooring
- Paint the interior or exterior of your home
- Carry out non-structural maintenance or minor repairs to the exterior of your home
- Fences
- Roofing repairs
*NOTE (disclaimer) – Artisan builds for clients in Canada, US, and Europe; these are only suggested guidelines and it is best to speak and check with your local government’s building department to find out their requirements for all permits and inspections.
If you have any questions about what you just read regarding permits, building a custom home or upgrades that can add value to your property, please feel free to contact us.
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Friday, July 13, 2018
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Friday, July 6, 2018
What is the BC Home Builder?
Are you planning on building a custom house in B.C.? Well not so fast! Last year the Government of B.C. announced a new licensing system for builders in residential construction. Previously, before this new system came into place the homeowner or builder was able to be the general contractor to coordinate all of the trades associated with their home building process. Now due to this new system, you have to be licensed. So what is this new B.C. Home Builder license all about? What are your options? Here is some information to help you better understand this new licensing agreement.
What is the BC Home Builder?
The new residential licensing for B.C.’s home builders is dedicated to the building and construction of a home – it’s designed to modernize and streamline the building regulatory system. This new licensing system officially came into effect during the summer of 2016.
This new system has made it a requirement for new home builders in the industry to demonstrate their proficiency and knowledge in key areas before they receive a license. What does that mean? Homeowners and builders who already currently hold a license will not have to apply for a new one. However, you will need to renew your license annually now and in order to do so home builders will be required to take continuing education courses in professional development as it relates to residential construction.
Who does BC Home Builder affect?
The new system solely applies to current general contractors who are building single-family homes and small residential buildings. To make things easier to understand, the basis is those who had hoped or were wanting to completely design and build their own dream home still can, but unfortunately cannot just say they are the ‘general contractor’ and do the work themselves. Each builder has to now be classified as a general contractor, developer, or both and must identify that they are one when applying for their new license or when renewing an existing one through specific qualifications.
Here are some of the new qualification requirements:
What do I need to do to apply for a license?
To qualify for a license a combination of education and experience requirements must be met. The qualification standard is taken from the Homeowner Protection Act and Regulations. An applicant must meet the following to be considered:
- General contractor applicants must provide proof of 24 months of experience managing or supervising residential construction, gained within the past five years (please note that these 24 months do not have to be consecutive)
- Applicants need to successfully demonstrate competency by successfully completing approved training in seven competency areas. This will prove that you have the necessary knowledge and skill set to manage a licensed residential construction company.
Curious as to what the seven courses are? (*Please note course can vary and change over time – so it’s best to stay as up-to-date as possible).
- Relevant enactments = BC Building Code – Single Family Dwelling
- Construction management and supervision = Project Management & Site Supervision
- Construction technology = Building Science for New Homes
- Customer service and home warranty insurance = Service & Warranty
- Financial planning and management = Financial Management
- Legal issues = Construction Law
- Business planning and management = Business Planning & Management
See list descriptions and prices here.
To find out more visit: BC’s New Licensing Requirements
For those who already currently have a license and are defined as a general contractor have to adhere to continuing their professional development (CPD). This may apply to you:
Continuing Professional Development
- All current licensees, as well as new licensees, will be required to take continuing professional development (CPD) courses in areas related to residential construction as a condition of renewing their license each year.
- All licensed general contractors seeking to renew their licenses must obtain at least 40 Continuing Professional Development points each year. Points are earned by either actively managing new residential construction projects or through attending course/training and educational events. You can have a combination of both as well.
- Over 50% of those continuing professional development must pertain to the British Columbia Building Code, construction management and supervision, construction technology, customer service and home warranty insurance, or a combination of these four subjects.
What are your options?
In all honesty, there are only a few options to choose from with the new licensing agreement in place.
- If you are planning on building our own home now that the new regulations are in effect, you have the option to take and pass the examination or hire a licensed builder who is in good standing.
- Newcomers have to have a license period before you can work in the industry.
- For existing and new builders, there are new regulations as part of an “enhanced” licensing system. Builders must continually maintain their status as competent builders by completing professional development construction courses every year. Topics, as mentioned, will include construction management, supervision, technology, warranties, financing planning, customer relations, accounting, legal issues and business management/planning.
When thinking of this option you need to really ask yourself is it worth the time and/or investment, short and long-term?
What do you think of this new licensing system for builders in residential construction? If you have any questions about what you just read, building a custom home or upgrades that can add value to your property, please feel free to contact us.
For morning information on the licensing requirements, BC Housing has an excellent website that thoroughly explains the new licensing system here.
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