Who Knew You Needed This Information for the Building Permit?!—Project Update— BYHYU 113

I thought I could fill out my building permit application in just a few minutes, but I couldn’t because I didn’t have all the information I needed.  This week learn what information is needed for a building permit application and how I went back and forth with the builder I wanted as my consultant.

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I live in a small city, so my building permit may be less detailed and simpler than the building permit in your region, but, to give you an idea of some of the things that might be included in your permit, I'll tell you what's on mine.

Lot number  
Street address
Owner's name
Builder's name
Driver's License number
Date of birth
Phone number
Name and license number of electrical subcontractor
Name and license number of mechanical sub
Name and license number of plumbing sub
Lot value
Building value
Total value
Number of stories, bedrooms and baths
Foundation type
Square footage, heated and cooled

Property Owners Association Bill of Assurance Info (what your POA requires)
Minimum square feet
Minimum percent of masonry
Minimum set backs
Minimum garages

Request for Temporary to Permanent Power (for electricity which your subs will need during construction)

Existing Damage Report  (where your builder will report any "damage" that is on your property before construction starts).



So that's my building permit.



Because I need the names of the electrician, mechanical sub and plumber for my project, I'm not ready to submit my building permit for review.  I'll need to prepare my specifications and scope of work first to give to potential subs so they can bid on the project. Then I can select specific subs and fill out the permit. So, I've got some work to do.



​The other thing that happened since the last project update was that the builder that I wanted to work with (because he has a ton of knowledge about and experience with building energy efficient houses) wants to be the actual builder of my house and not just my consultant.  




Although he agreed to be my consultant initially, he has told me a couple of times that he thought the best arrangement would be for him to be the builder.  He said he would only charge me 13% of the building costs instead of his typical 15%.    I told him that I was not comfortable with that arrangement (remember, he'd get that fee plus a markup on labor and materials) and if he insisted on being the builder, I would "sadly have to move on."   So he agreed to be my consultant with the stipulations that his time on my job site would be limited and that he would not "loan out" his subcontractors to me.   That was fine with me.  So, I think (I hope and pray) that's settled.



Please remember that the purpose of this podcast is simply to educate and inform.  It is not a substitute for professional advice.  The information that you hear is based the only on the opinions, research and experiences of my guests and myself.  That information might be incomplete, it’s subject to change and  it may not apply to your project. In addition, Building codes and requirements vary from region to region, so always consult a professional about specific recommendations for your home.




That's all I have for this week.  Come back next week for another edition of Build Your House Yourself University-- BYHYU.