From Hero to Zero? Here’s Why You Should NOT Brush Off Building Permits and Codes
Added: (Wed Jul 17 2019)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
What’s the deal with building codes?
DO-IT-YOURSELF projects seem really fun, don’t they? Sounds interesting and challenging perhaps. Why not become a DIY hero on home improvement? After all, you know how to work around with tools. But you might not also know you’re violating building codes already. Don’t end up with run-off-the-mill “home improvement” projects.
Building codes are rules and regulations that govern everything. Incompliance with building codes will have you caught up in fines, tear-outs and total redo of your project. The sole purpose and real intent of a building code is to keep your house and any property there is, safe and healthy. Whether you are a buyer or seller, not conforming to any of the codes is surely a bad idea. Say you want to sell your house and you put a nice little venting fan in the bathroom. Nobody’s gonna notice that! Right, except sharp-eyed home inspectors and mind you, home inspections in Utah County are exceptionally good on that. Once these minute violations are spotted, it’ll either shrink the value of the property or just basically take a toll on the sale. Of course, nobody wants that.
One big advantage of hiring professionals than pursuing your DIY career is that contractors keep up with building codes that change from state to state and town to town.
Here’s what you can do.
1. NEVER SKIP BUILDING PERMIT DAY! A number of reasons go along with why you should obtain a building permit before beginning any construction project. For the most part, it’s for your own safety, to eliminate possible citations and because IT IS A LAW.
The main reason and purpose of a building permit is for the safety of the occupants and anyone associated with the building. Without the necessary building permit and proper inspection, you might have a building that is improperly placed, using the wrong tools for construction, or just totally unsafe. You think you can get away with permits but it means you can’t have access to your local building inspector who knows all codes and whether your construction is in compliance with the law.
Any work done prior to obtaining a building permit could result in fines, citation, removal of the building or structure, and worse, prosecution. Lack of permit can definitely impact legal proceedings and even insurance claims.
Salt Lake City and the entire Utah County Government including Utah State Law requires obtaining building permits for all buildings, structures, and construction-related projects.
2. KNOW THE CODES. Building codes vary from state to state and from town to town. Salt Lake City and other cities in the Utah State have building and housing codes that differ from that of California. If you were from another state, don’t think about bringing those codes to another state because just by that you are already violating.
Bottom line is, always play by the rules. Being a cheapskate by skipping permits can only cost you more in the long run. Check your local building codes and permit requirements before beginning any work.
The next time you think about skipping a smoke detector, think again. Permits and codes can smell pants on fire.