If you have a home, chances are there is always something
that could be fixed. And if you own that home, you or someone you hire are
going to be the one to fix it. If you rent, then you are probably lucky enough
to be able to call maintenance. For those of you who are do-it-yourselfers, you
need to make sure you do things the right way to avoid problems down the road.
First,
you need to make sure you have the proper permits in place before you start
work. Now, not everything you do to your home needs a permit. The best way to
find out what does is to consult your local building and ordinance office.
There is no state or federal law concerning building permits. If you fail to
obtain a permit and are caught, it could cancel the sale of your home and the
bank that made the loan could choose not to disperse the money. Obviously, if
you use a contractor, they should know whether the job requires a permit or
not. Do not assume that they got the permit though, check with them to make
sure. Jobs that generally would need a permit can include fence installation
(sometimes dependent on height of the fence), any alteration to the footprint of your home
(extra rooms/removal of rooms, garages, sheds, etc.), putting a new window in
(not replacing, but cutting a hole for a new window), plumbing and electrical
(even as simple as moving an outlet), structural change (beams, load-bearing
walls, decks, etc.), siding, water heater (and sometimes ventilation systems),
and if the total cost of the project is going to be over a certain amount.
Again, check with your local municipality for their full list of rules and
regulations. Projects that usually don’t require a permit are
painting/wallpapering, installing hardwood or carpeting, minor electrical
repairs that don’t involve moving or new points of service, installing new
countertops, and installing a new faucet. To obtain a permit, you need to apply
for one with your municipality’s office. Depending on the project, the permit
may be obtained immediately or may require the submission of plans, blueprints,
estimates, etc. During the work, inspections will most likely take place,
possibly even multiple inspections. After the work is done, a final inspection
will take place.
If you
do not feel comfortable doing a project yourself and would prefer the use of a
contractor, it can be difficult to obtain one if the project is not larger. In
this case, it can be easier to wait until you need a bigger project done (say,
kitchen remodeled) and while they are there, ask them fix some of the smaller
projects you have on your to-do list as well. Obviously, you’re going to pay
for these projects separately from the larger project, but as long as they
agree to the terms, you get everything done. If you have a nice little old man
down the street who offers to fix your small projects for a modest sum, that’s
great. However, keep in mind the (possible) need for permits and also that this
man is not insured for doing this work. If something were to happen to him, you
would likely be liable.
If you
are not a do-it-yourselfer, but want to become one (at least on small things)
check out hardware and home improvement stores. Most offer free classes,
usually on the weekends, on how to do things like replace a doorknob or a
faucet. They often have classes for kids too, where they can learn how to build
a flowerbox or other little project. Call the stores in your area and find out
what is available.
