This is a question I get a lot! It is usually accompanied with a bit of
hostility. With all the regulations and
restrictions, one would wonder if the process of obtaining a permit is really
that important. After all, “My great, great
grandpa built his two room log home without filing for a permit . . . Why can’t
I?”
What has changed from grandpa’s time is that building
practices have improved (believe it
or not!) No longer is it common practice
to build a building and call it a highly successful structure if it doesn’t
collapse. Or wait for a building to fall
down during construction to determine that there is a problem with certain
construction practices.
The permit process is a way to ensure that the quality of
construction is exceptional and correct.
The municipality issuing the permit employs qualified and highly trained
individuals who inspect the building during each phase of construction. These third party advocates inspect for code
compliance and quality of construction.
So, unlike grandpa of old, with his “pretty sure”
assurances, you can be certain that, once your project is complete, and all
inspections have passed, your home will be a place that will capture many
memories you can pass along to your grandchildren, proving your permit will
have been a worthwhile investment to have made.
