Hiring a general contractor to manage a large home renovation project is something we always recommend, says Paul DeFeis, senior managing partner at Trade Mark Design & Build, based in Hawthorne, New Jersey. One reason is because a good and experienced contractors can obtain building permits for you.
The advantages of having a contractor get your permit is only partly to do with time-saving. There are a host of other benefits, including:
- Efficiency, because usually the contractor will only have to make one trip to get the permit, as he knows what he’s doing and has done it countless times before.
- Overall reduced cost as translates to little waste of time on behalf of the homeowners.
- A good contractor will be aware of variance or zoning issues before even applying for the permit.
- Even from a project planning standpoint it’s a good idea early on to have your contractor get permits for you. They know the town, they know how people in different organizations will react, they have a rapport with organizations in neighboring towns, and it comes as second nature. They do it day in and day out and they have the experience necessary to make things as streamlined and trouble-free as possible.
- A good contractor often knows the people involved. To make an analogy, it’s if you like dealing with the same teller at the bank who is used to your transactions. That teller knows that you will come in on a Friday and do x, y and z, he also knows that you are frugal and enjoy a short chat before leaving. What could be better?
- A good contractor also knows the system – not only the people. He will know what needs to be done and how to do it, saving you time, money and aggravation.
Getting the right building permit is a keystone to any renovation project. You wouldn’t attempt to install a new electrical system yourself and would get in a professional instead. The same should apply when attempting to obtain a residential building permit, to make the whole process as easy and cost-effective as possible.
