How Do I Comply with the Law?

   Zoning regulations differ from place to place. If you are planning any alterations or additions to your home, you and or your Architect and Remodeler should check with the zoning authorities to determine whether the anticipated changes are legal and to find out what permits or permission you need to proceed with the project.

   Building codes are established by most cities, towns and counties and usually vary considerably from one jurisdiction to another. Your contract should call for the work to be performed in accordance with all applicable building codes. Keep in mind that building codes only set minimum safety standards for construction; they do not protect you against poor workmanship.

   As a general rule, a building permit is required whenever structural work is involved or when the basic living area of a home is to be changed. For example, if you have a home with an unfinished basement and would like to finish off a portion of it for a family room, you would need a building permit in most jurisdictions because you have changed the basic amount of living space in your house by converting storage space to living space . In some cases, separate permits for electrical, heating and plumbing work may be required.

   The remodeler should obtain the necessary building permits. Spell out this requirement in your contract because you could be held legally responsible for failure to obtain the required permits. Although the homeowner can obtain the permit with no problem it is usually a better idea to allow the remodeler obtain the permits because the person who files for a permit is usually considered to be responsible and liable for all work especially if the work does not comply with the building codes.

   When a government agency issues a home improvement permit, a representative will inspect the work at the request of the remodeler when it reaches a certain stage and/or when it is completed to make sure it complies with various codes and regulations.