Knowing how to get a garage building permit is crucial when it comes to adding a new garage. Whether you add an attached or detached garage, a building permit will be required. It may be overwhelming to think about the paperwork; however, the permit process is in place to ensure your garage is safe and up to code. Obtaining a building permit is not as hard as you think. Here is everything you need to know about a permit for your garage.
Do You Need a Garage Building Permit?
The quick and easy answer is yes, you will most likely need a building permit. If you are building a new structure, making structure modifications, or significantly changing other building components a permit is required. You better think twice before building a new garage without a permit. If you build without a permit, there are many things that could happen.
- If you cannot show a permit when selling your home, people may not want to buy
- The value of your home may decrease due to an appraiser not including the unpermitted structure in the appraisal
- You may have to pay additional fine and fees
- Additional work may be required to bring your garage up to code
How to Get a Permit for Your Garage
Obtaining a building permit is an easy process, especially if you have a contractor. A contractor will know all the ins and outs of the local building permits. It not only is less for work you, but you do not have to worry about the building being up to code. Whoever pulls the building permits is responsible for making sure the garage meets all the government building standards.
If you decide to build a garage yourself, then the process is a little bit more difficult. In order to apply for a building permit, you will first need to draw up and submit plans. Some local building permit companies will have plans you can choose from. You can also purchase plans online.
Permit Pricing
The price of a permit is going to be different for each location and will depend on how extensive the project is. Many building permit websites will give you an estimate on how much a permit will cost you. Your contractor should also be able to help you determine the cost of a permit based on the parameters of your project.
Garage Permit Processing Time
The amount of time it takes to get a garage permit will depend on how big the project is. For smaller projects, it may take a couple of weeks. However, bigger projects will take several weeks before the permit comes back. Once you receive the permit, you will have to set up inspections with the local building permit inspectors. Professional inspections are required throughout the building process to ensure the garage is up to code.
Start Applying for a Permit
One of the first steps in getting a garage building permit is to submit plans. Building your own plans can be difficult, and the local building permit office may come back with a lot of revisions. If you are looking for good garage plans that will make the building permit process easier, then check out Behm Design.