Understanding the Permitting Process When Remodeling Your Home
During any home remodel, it’s important to ask yourself whether a permit is required. The permitting process is designed to ensure safety and functionality for those on the property.
If you’re a homeowner, getting permits can give you peace of mind that the work was done correctly and according to local building codes. This can help reduce the risk of workmanship defects that can lead to problems like house fires, structural damage, and more.
In a similar vein, if you decide to sell your home, having permits for work that was done to your home can help protect your home’s value.
In this article, we’ll discuss the complex permitting system for performing home improvements in the Charleston and Mt. Pleasant areas and explain in greater detail why permits matter.
We’ll also talk about how it can be helpful to work with an experienced design-build contractor who navigates these processes easily and seamlessly, to ensure a successful home improvement or renovation. Let’s get into it!
Why Permits Matter
A building permit is official permission to proceed with a construction project. Under the permitting system, work plans must be approved before the project is underway. Once the work is in place, it must be inspected by a building official.
This process of approving plans and inspecting work helps ensure that construction work is done right and according to local building codes. There are many reasons why building permits matter.
Avoid Legal and Financial Penalties
In some cases, unpermitted work can lead to legal and financial penalties. Getting the work done right the first time can save money and time.
Ensure Compliance With Local Building Codes
Building inspectors assess construction projects to ensure they meet local building codes and regulations. With their in-depth knowledge of these codes, they have the authority to request modifications to any work that doesn’t align with required standards, ensuring full compliance.
Protect the Safety and Well-Being of Your Home and Family
Building codes are in place to help ensure the safety and well-being of the public. By checking your construction work to ensure it conforms to local codes, inspectors are protecting the people in your home, including members of your household and guests.
Protect Your Property's Value
Homes are harder to sell when they include unpermitted work. In fact, some home buyers can’t get a mortgage approved for a home with unpermitted work.
Others may be able to purchase the home but may plan to retroactively correct the unpermitted work. This is expensive and time-consuming, so many home buyers will make lower offers when they know that unpermitted work has been done on the premises.
What Requires a Permit?
Many common remodeling projects require permits. Some examples of the type of work that requires a permit include:
- Electrical work
- Fencing installations and alterations
- Home additions
- Plumbing updates
- Roofing
- Structural changes to the home (like building a deck)
If you’re not sure what type of work requires a permit in your area, contact the permitting office to learn more. If you’re working with a qualified contractor like Citadel Enterprises to complete your remodel, they’ll know what type of work requires a permit.
The Permitting Process in Mt. Pleasant, SC
To start the permitting process, you’ll need to fill out an application and submit it online, although in-person submissions are also accepted. Be sure to have all your supporting documentation, including plans and drawings, ready beforehand.
An experienced contractor like Citadel Enterprises can guide you through this process, ensuring all required materials are submitted correctly and helping you navigate any complexities along the way.
Once the application is submitted online, you can check its status through the city’s online portal. The city typically takes a few days to review and approve the application. After the permit is issued, you’ll be required to pay the associated fee.
During the project, the city will conduct at least one inspection, typically midway through the project and again at completion, or just at the end. All work must pass inspection before it is considered compliant; if it does not, adjustments will be necessary.
Working with a reputable contractor ensures that your project stays on track and meets all necessary requirements for approval. Born and bred in the Charleston area, we understand the ins and outs of the permitting process in the jurisdiction so you can have peace of mind during this exciting time — your remodeling journey.
How Long Does It Take?
While the initial application process may be quick, permitting does impact project timelines. Getting inspections at the appropriate intervals can slow down work on the job site.
Again, it helps to work with an experienced renovation team that knows how to manage the workload. A good remodeling company will likely also have a positive professional relationship with building inspectors. This helps foster trust between the inspector and the contractor and can keep the job moving.
Complex jobs, like home additions, may require multiple inspections. It’s important to remember that the permitting process is necessary to ensure that your home addition will be compliant with building codes.
Obtaining a permit is well worth the effort, and the process becomes much smoother when you have a professional contractor managing inspections and the overall workflow. Bringing together craftsmanship and proven processes, Citadel Enterprises executes every project with accuracy and ease.
Common Challenges & How to
Overcome Them
Application rejections can cause delays. Here are some tips to help ensure your permit application will be accepted on the first try:
- Familiarize yourself with all submission requirements before making your submission.
- Fill out the entire application, following all instructions.
- Have a solid plan in place for your project before submitting your application to avoid delays from changes to your project.
- If you must add more documentation to your electronic application, email the permitting office staff to alert them to the change. Office staff will not receive notification when additional documents are uploaded after the initial submission.
- Include all required documentation, and be as thorough as possible.
- Send documentation as PDF documents.
Do you live in Charleston’s Old and Historic District? The Board of Architectural Review and the Design Review Board oversee permitting in these areas. If you have questions about permits in these areas, contact them at (843) 579-6415.
No matter your style or vision for a luxury home renovation, Citadel Enterprises is here to bring it to life. From enhancing your home’s value to making sure every choice aligns with your vision, using high-quality materials is key to creating a timeless and beautiful space.
Explore our project gallery to see stunning results and understand why premium materials are essential for your home in Charleston or Mt. Pleasant.
When you’re ready to take the next step or learn more about starting your own renovation, contact us today. We’re excited to help you create the home of your dreams.
The Value of Working With an Experienced Remodeler
Permitting can be overwhelming for homeowners in the Mt. Pleasant and Charleston areas unfamiliar with the process. That’s why so many choose Citadel Enterprises for their home remodels.
With our expertise and experience, we simplify the entire remodeling journey from start to finish. We manage all permit-related tasks, saving you time and eliminating frustration.
Ready to make your next home improvement project a success? Contact us today to get started.