Atherton General Contractor

Required  Permits to Acquire and Cost

When embarking on a home remodeling project, various permits must be acquired to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. Here is a list of some crucial permits you may need:

• Building Permit: This is required for significant construction work involving structural changes. It includes adding rooms, changing the layout, or altering the building’s facade. The building permit base fee is $227.00, which covers the initial processing and administrative expenses.
• Electrical Permit: This permit is necessary for all electrical work, including installing or altering electrical systems and fixtures. The electrical permit cost is $227. This fee includes coverage for the expenses related to obtaining a permit for electrical work, such as inspections and administrative charges.
• Plumbing Permit: Any significant plumbing work, such as installing new plumbing systems, altering existing ones, or changing the location of plumbing fixtures, requires a plumbing permit. The cost of the electrical permit varies depending on the location and scope of the project.
• Mechanical Permit: If your remodeling involves installing or modifying heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) systems, then a mechanical permit is required. The mechanical permit cost is $200. The fee is required to obtain a permit to perform mechanical work, such as HVAC installation or repairs.
• Fire Sprinkler Permit: This permit is necessary if fire sprinkler systems are installed or altered in your home.
• Grading Permit: If your project involves any changes to the land surrounding your home, such as excavation or filling, you will need a grading permit.

Each permit has its own set of requirements, fees, and procedures, so it’s essential to consult with a professional Atherton remodeling contractor to ensure all permits are properly obtained.

Permit Cost

The cost to acquire permits for home remodeling in Atherton varies depending on the type and scope of the project. As per the Current Master Fee Schedule, a

• Building permit base fee: The cost of the building permit base fee is $227.00, which covers the initial processing and administrative expenses.
• Additional fee based on work valuation: For amounts up to $1,000, the fee is $24.00. For each additional $1,000 or part thereof, up to $50,000, the fee is $15.00. The costs rise in line with the valuation.
• Electrical permit: The electrical permit cost is $227. This fee includes coverage for the expenses related to obtaining a permit for electrical work, such as inspections and administrative charges.
• Mechanical permit: The mechanical permit cost is $200. The fee is required to obtain a permit to perform mechanical work, such as HVAC installation or repairs.
• Plumbing permit: The cost of the electrical permit varies depending on the location and scope of the project. It typically covers the inspection fees and administrative expenses associated with ensuring compliance with electrical codes and regulations.

Inspection in Permitting Process

Inspections play an integral role in permitting home remodeling in Atherton. Once all permits have been obtained and work has commenced, the city’s Building Division will conduct a series of inspections to ensure all work complies with local building codes and approved plans. The types and frequency of inspections will depend on the nature and scope of the project.

• Framing inspection: Conducted after framing but before adding interior walls. Ensures structural integrity and compliance with building codes.
• Plumbing and electrical inspection: Done before installing drywall. Verifies the safety and functionality of the plumbing and electrical systems.
• Schedule inspections in advance: It’s crucial to arrange inspections ahead of time to ensure timely completion of the project.
• Prepare relevant documentation: Prepare all necessary documents for the inspector’s review to facilitate inspection.
• Inspector’s list of issues: If any part of the work fails to meet standards, the inspector will provide a list of necessary corrections.
• Resolving issues: Work can only continue once all identified issues are resolved, and the project passes inspection.

The inspection process aims to ensure the remodel’s safety and quality, protecting homeowners from potential issues down the line.