Building Division

Article: The Real Value of a Building Permit

“Why do I need a building permit, and what’s the benefit to me?”

It’s one of the most frequently asked questions from homeowners and even some contractors – and it’s a question that’s easily answered. If you want to protect your home and your family, your biggest investment and your piece of mind, get a building permit before doing any construction around the house.

Your home is your biggest investment. It’s also an investment in your family’s comfort, safety and well being. Construction mistakes can be exasperating, extremely costly, and in some cases even deadly.
A building permit ensures that a certified inspector will examine the project to determine if the work is done safely and according to code. This also allows you to ask questions from an un-biased expert. For do-it-yourselfers who don’t do installations or construction work every day, this is particularly valuable. Incorrect building or remodeling can cause house fires, flood damage and structural problems.
Think safety. Think value.
Permit inspections are an essential component to a successful construction project and for maintaining your home’s integrity. Cutting corners puts the value of your home and the safety of your family at risk.
Prevent mistakes. Preserve your investment.
Inspections should be viewed as a help, not a hindrance. Not only do inspections reveal minor problems that could lead to costly repairs later, they also uncover liability and life threatening issues like structural weakness, dangerous wiring or defective plumbing.
When selling your home, you are required by California law to fully disclose all remodeling work and whether or not permits were obtained. With permits and inspections, you can expect a smoother closing process free of last minute hassles, inspections and repair work if the home isn’t up to code.

Last updated: 9/1/10 4:09 PM

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Article: The Real Value of a Building Permit