If you’re hiring an architect, you probably need a permit. If you’re building something small enough that wouldn’t require a permit, for instance bathroom remodel where you’re leaving all plumbing fixture locations as-is, interior paint, casework & trim work, etc, then you won’t need to hire an architect. But permits have inherent value to your project and your home. What comes with a permit?
First, home value.
Having an approved permit will let you legally sell your home with the additional square footage, with the additional bathroom or bedroom, and it will add value to your property.
Second, code compliance.
During Plan Check, the building department, fire, mechanical & electrical review the Architect’s plans for code compliance. The building code isn’t always as straightforward as one may think, and plan checkers will interpret the code and help clear up any discrepancies. They check the Architect’s work.
Third, inspections.
When you get a permit, a significant amount of the permit fee goes towards the inspectors who visit the site during construction. Generally speaking, the bigger the project, the more inspectors, and the greater the fee. Inspectors are crucial for code compliance. They check the contractors work to make sure there are enough nails in the shear walls, they make sure the electrical is installed correctly, that the waterproofing is lapped properly, and that the fire rated wall between your garage and home is actually built to withstand 1 hour of fire burning inside the garage before it burns the rest of the house down.