Permits
You Need ‘Em for a Lot of Reasons….
By Joan Stevens-Schwenger
The website,
www.permitsprotect.info,
provides more information on when a permit is needed, how
to obtain one, and how to find a licensed contractor, plumber,
or electrician. The site also provides links to other helpful
websites.
On the
Building Codes Division’s web page: www.oregonbcd.org
offers brochures with titles such as “When do I need
a plumbing permit,” and “When do I need an electrical
permit?”
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Time to remodel
the kitchen? Or maybe you’re ready to build your dream home.
Whether you’re a skillful do-it-yourselfer, or you wouldn’t
know a two-by-four from a railway tie and need a good contractor,
the experts want you to know that permits protect the safety and value
of your home.
“For most
people, their home is their most important investment. We see too
many cases where Oregonians have jeopardized the safety and value
of their homes by neglecting to get proper building permits or by
using unlicensed contractors for remodeling projects,” said Linda
Riddell, acting administrator of the Oregon Building Codes Division.
If done incorrectly,
even basic construction work or plumbing and electrical installations
can become unsafe for homeowners and their families. They can also
devalue or even cause damage to homes. Realtors and lenders are aware
that the law requires homeowners to have the proper permits when doing
construction work on homes to ensure that they are safe and livable
for the next owner or tenant.
Here are some
of the most commonly asked questions about permits:
How do permits
protect my home?
Permits ensure that a certified inspector inspects the construction
project or installation. Inspections help make sure work is done safely
and to code. When a city or county inspector approves work, you can
ask questions from an expert and know that the work has been checked
for safety violations. This is of particular value to the do-it-yourselfer
who doesn’t make installations every day. Incorrect installations
can result in house fires, flood damage, and/or structural problems.
Permits are designed
to help ensure that licensed contractors do the work if the homeowner
doesn’t handle the job. Only Construction Contractors Board (CCB)
licensed contractors, and those who carry a trade license, such as
plumbers and electricians, are allowed to legally work in Oregon.
State and local building departments issue permits only to contractors
who are properly licensed and bonded.
Getting a permit
can save you money
Inspections help ensure that work meets the building code. Inspections
not only reveal minor problems that could lead to costly repairs,
but also liability and life-safety concerns like structural weaknesses,
dangerous wiring, or defective plumbing.
When it comes
to selling a house, realtors and lenders may require that any construction
work is done with permits to ensure that the house is safe for future
occupants. If work is not permitted, instead of closing on your home,
you’ll have to scramble to catch up with permits and inspections
and additional repair work if the installations weren’t made
to code.
Insurance companies
may not cover construction work that isn’t permitted. If your
un-permitted deck collapses, you may be liable for injuries or out
thousands of dollars for repairs.
Homeowners
can protect themselves
Insist on permits! It simply doesn’t pay to cut corners when
it comes to your biggest financial asset, your home.
Check a contractor’s
CCB license to ensure that a contractor is legally licensed and bonded
to work in Oregon. Beware of a contractor willing to work without
permits.
Use — or
insist — that the contractor uses only licensed plumbers and
electricians. Along with homeowners working on their own homes, only
licensed plumbers and electricians are legally allowed to do plumbing
or electrical work in Oregon. Professional licenses reflect four years
of intense training and annual continuing education and ensure that
contractors are qualified to do the work.
How do I get
a permit?
When using licensed contractors, they will take out the permits. Always
retain copies for your records.
If you are doing
the work yourself, you can call the local building department or use
the Internet. Getting a permit is as often as easy as downloading
a form and sending the application and fee to the local jurisdiction.
County and city
front desks are set up to help you through the permit process.
Joan Stevens-Schwenger
is manager of the Tri-County Service Center, Building Codes Division.
She can be reached at: Joanie.M.Stevens-Schwenger@state.or.us
or call 503-872-6731. |
