Can I have Permit-ssion to build??

We had the land, home plan, builder and the new baby. Getting the building permit to complete the construction application should be no problem right?? Wrong!!!

First I would never recommend you embark on this task with a newborn on little to no sleep. That is torture in itself. The silver lining was that I was home on maternity leave and available to do all of the necessary running around. Building a house is a marathon not a sprint!

Every town has their own building construction codes that are enforced by the town building inspector. Ex: If you are in an inland town the snow weight load requirements for you roof will be higher than if you are closer to the coast.

What did I have to do and what did we have to spend to get one residential building permit??
Note: (Normally your builder would do all of this):

-Get an approved septic system design from your state. This will be at a cost and requires time for review and approval.

-Apply and pay for a Septic Install Permit

-Get your land surveyed to determine boundaries -this will be at a cost

-Get a foundation plan (this will be at a cost to have an architect draw this up)

-Get an approved EC-1 Home Energy Code (this is based on how you will insulate your home). The approved code has to be on your permit application.

-Get a structural engineering plan that states the seismic and wind loads that your structure can handle (this will be at a cost through an engineering firm). Note: Our house has now been built to withstand a hurricane, earthquake and the end of days.

-Get a Truss Plan (if you are doing engineered trusses you can get this through your lumber yard)

-If there is anything on your plan that the building inspector questions like if your windows meet egress requirements (which is the height/width of your windows so a fireman can crash through them in case your house is on fire). You will need to go back to your architect and have him adjust your plan. This will be at a cost.

-Get a dig safe number. Call and get a number that allows all of the utility company's in your area to mark out where there are power lines so your builder/dad doesn't dig there and electrocute himself.

-Finally pay for the building permit and submit your application with all of the above. Take your total sq footage and multiple that by .25 cents per sq foot. This cost will vary depending on your town.

A bit of advice definitely budget in soft costs in your project analysis so you can recoup the thousands and thousands of dollars you will spend trying to get your building permit.

Once you have your building permit. Dance a jig, drink wine, post on FB and thank god the building inspector finally stopped asking questions and approved your permit! Oh and then submit it to the bank. :)