why would i need a building permit?

Question

What type of work on my home would require a building permit? Electric? Plumbing? Maybe a Deck? I live In wisconsin depending on how much that matters.

Answer 1

You need a building permit because so many yahoos build unsafe structures that the government had to step in and say "No stupid, you can't do that anymore."
The other things is, they can charge you for the permit, charge you for the inspection and then tax you on the improvements when they re-value your house in assessment season. Lucrative government practices.
Every state, as you observe, has its own regulations. Your local town hall will be able to give you a list of what projects need permits and which do not. Most people on the internet come from all over and are not as educated on your local ordinances.
BTW, if you don't get a permit- the town can- and believe me they WILL- make you take apart all the fixes you did. And then you have to get the permit and re-inspection and do it all over. Boy did they sock it to someone I know.
Good luck.

Answer 2

that is pretty much up to local ordinances. in the city will have more restrictions than out in the country. some places in town, you need a permit to fart. out in the country, only major jobs need a permit usually. also depends on how close you are to lakes and such too. Occasionally federal laws come in to play if near water sources. Also, it depends on whether or not you do it all yourself, or hire it done. and whether or not is is an improvement that anyone can see from the road. The rules vary so much, I cannot tell you, and I advise against giving out your exact location on the web. you will just have to do the research yourself.

Answer 3

Most states,cities and towns require building permits for all of the above. The cities and town would require a building permit so they will know what it is you are building and determine if it is up to local safety codes.

Answer 4

You will have to perform the necessary corrections to the existing deck or have the contractor correct it himself. I would assume the contractor is not licensed to build the deck, otherwise he would have gotten a permit or know the dimensions are not within building codes rule. If you don't have it corrected, they will have you remove the deck at your expense, or they will remove it themselves and send you the bill, and maybe fine you at the same time. I am surprised they did not have you do this the first time when you can't produce a building permit.

Answer 5

It matters a lot you living in wisconsin. Lucky you arent in Calif. Those people there are permit crazy.

You can get a list at your local municipal building department at the county building or city hall. Its a printed list.

Answer 6

In my city, if you add or remove structure of any kind you need a permit.....
This is just so the city knows you increased the value of your house, so they can charge you more tax....they dont even do an inspection here.
Your city has a code inspector/ assessor or whatever they call it, that will be glad to talk to you about this

Answer 7

Any type of building needs a permit. Fence,garage etc.

Answer 8

Depends on where you live. Call the township you live in and ask them about building codes.

Answer 9

depends on local laws and if you live in city limits or in rual area

Answer 10

for a few reasons if your doing the work yourself to be sure its done safely and properly
and if a contractor is doing work to be sure he does his job and not screwing you

permits are reasonable and worth it for your safty