Has anyone ever built their own home?
Question:We are going to build a simple home ourselves. My question is about the legal aspect. Do you have to get a building permit first or can you build and then call in the inspectors? Anyone have experience with building codes? Are they usually picky bureaucrats?
I don't even know how to start looking for information about this. I just google searched building codes, but it was overwhelming. Where could I find a FAQs or introduction? What county organization deals with this?
Answers:
Check first with the city/county building department for the location of the land that you intend to build on.
You can find them listed in your phone books government listings.
They can get you started, all of it can be overwhelming ,but
if you just take one step at A time you will be fine.
What you need or don't need does vary but all areas require
A permit to build then permits for excavation,septic,well drillling,electric,natural gas,plumbing foundation ,framing,roofing.
then each stage ,as it is completed needs to be inspected
to make sure it complies with your local codes, the inspector will issue A pass or fail (if you fail they will let you know exactly what you need to do to bring it up to code) the inspectors are actualy there to help you build A safe home so they usualy are very nice.
If you still feel uncertain about taking on the project on your own ,but do not want the big expense of hiring A general contractor ,check into some of the owner/builder programs out there they can help you every step of the way for A nominal charge.(find them on the internet )
hope this helps
good luck on your project
No, you must get approval before any work begins. Look in your county government for the building department. Need to start there. Will probably need to get approval from planning department as far as driveway locations and location on property for home.
I have owned two houses and both were fixers when I bought them. The first house I had to get permits to do anything but change a light bulb.
The second house in a different state I only had to get a permit to replace the breaker panel.
Depending on what part of the country you live in you may not need any permits at all or you might need thousands of dollars worth of environmental studies and soil testing.
If I were going to build a house and did not want to deal with permits I would look for a state/county that has no zoning or permit requirements. It would make life much easier. Just do your work to the national codes.
The inspectors I dealt with in both cases were very nice and easy going. They both were down to earth guys. Though there are others out there that are the opposite.
There is no such thing as a "simple" home. Every home will have plumbing, electrical and mechanical components in addition to framing, roofing and other structural components.
Your best option is to go into the Permits and Inspections Office of your local government and explain what you want to do. You may get some good advice. Another suggestion is to buy a set of plans and build to the plans. Before you get a building permit, the County or City needs to know what you want to build. Contact a licensed plumber and electrician and have them do or closely supervise the plumbing and electrical work. This will cost some money, but it will save you many headaches. Unless you have extensive construction experience, it is cheaper and faster to work with professionals.
Amazon has some good books for DIY homebuilders. Read a great deal before you go see anyone so you have a better idea of the right questions. Start with "Building Your Own Home for Dummies." This is a pretty good starting point and will point you in the right direction.
Go to the planning offices at your local council. You cannot so much as put up a shed without getting approval and showing plans, so do't start doing any building until you have had the all clear from them.
Yes, I built my own home back in 1988. In my town at the time there was no code enforcement other then the building had to be 15 feet from the property lines. Now that has changed. You can find about your local codes at the town office in the town you plan on building the home. Good Luck
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