Planning a home improvement project? Read this before you start! Learn more about building and construction permits, and if you need them or not.

3. PART 1 - PREPARING YOURSELF FOR WINDOW INSTALLATION
Before beginning any project, it’s a good idea for homeowners to
familiarize themselves with the different types of permits that need
to be secured to ensure that they are complying with the rules and
the law.
FOUR TYPES OF PERMIT
Below are the different types of permit that apply to various home
improvement projects.
Building Permit - Required for ALL construction work
including room additions, patio covers, walls or fences,
carport or garage enclosures, and accessory buildings more
than 200 sq. ft.
Electrical Permit - Required when installing, altering,
reconstructing, or repairing electrical wiring on
any structure, building, or swimming pool, among others.
Plumbing Permit - Required for installing,
altering, reconstructing or repairing any plumbing,
gas, lawn sprinkler supply, and water heater systems.
Mechanical Permit - Required for the installation,
alteration, reconstruction, and repair of a furnace or air
conditioning system or equipment, except for window
and portable units.

4. PART 1 - PREPARING YOURSELF FOR WINDOW INSTALLATION
IMPORTANCE OF PERMITS -- AND PITFALLS
OF NOT FOLLOWING THE REQUIREMENTS
Performing home improvements without acquiring the necessary
permits can bring serious consequences that can cost you a lot of
time and money. If you or your contractor fails to obtain the permits
needed to meet strict residential code requirements, you may be
liable and will need to answer to violations. Homeowners and
contractors may be charged with fines and penalties -- that normally
exceed the cost of the permits. Worse, authorities may order the
tearing out of the work that has already been done, and then you
have to do it all over again once the necessary permits have already
been acquired.
“WHY WOULD I NEED A PERMIT? I HAVE INSURANCE!”
Not all code violations will affect you instantly, but do not think you can
get away with murder (totally). If serious problems, due to the home
improvement projects that didn’t have the right permits, arise,
your homeowner’s policy may not cover the damages. For
instance, if electrical work without proper permitting sparked a fire,
your insurance provider may decide not to provide compensation.

6. PART II - DOES YOUR PROJECT NEED A PERMIT?
Not everyone knows about building and home improvement permits
and when they need one. Those who decide to start and go on without
attempting to learn about it may face several problems in the future.
Now, here’s a guide to the projects that require a permit -- and
those that you can go ahead with right away.
PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
• New Window Installation
Replacing existing windows normally doesn’t need a permit, but
cutting new holes for new units, including skylights and doors,
generally does.
• Fencing Installation or Repair
Not all fence construction or repair requires a permit.You need to check
with your city or municipality regarding height restrictions. If you need
to exceed the restrictions, you will most likely need to secure a permit,
or else your fence will be cut down to meet height requirements.
• Plumbing and Electrical Work
Installing or replacing plumbing systems and connections generally
needs a permit. The same rule applies with electrical wiring installation
and replacement -- even the seemingly simple tasks such as installing
new outlets, switches, and even ceiling fans and overhead lighting.
However, there are smaller, related tasks that can be done without
permits, too, so make sure to check with a professional.

7. PART II - DOES YOUR PROJECT NEED A PERMIT?
• Heating Maintenance and Replacement
Altering the ventilation system, fireplaces, ducts, and water heaters
all need a permit. Meanwhile, filter changes, motor lubrication, and
equipment cleaning can be done without one.
• Siding Installation
Some cities and municipalities require a permit for siding projects so
make sure to check your local government codes and requirements.
• Structural Renovations, Additions, and Major Remodeling
Remember -- any project that will eventually alter your home’s current
footprint will need a permit.
PROJECTS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE A PERMIT
Thankfully, not everything needs aYES from your city’s building permits
department. Below are projects that you can perform any time without
worrying about being fined.
• Flooring installation (hardwood, carpet, linoleum, or vinyl tile)
• Painting and wallpapering
• Installing new countertops
• Minor electrical repairs
• Minor plumbing work such as faucet replacement
• Landscaping

9. PART 1 - PREPARING YOURSELF FOR WINDOW INSTALLATION
When planning home improvement projects or remodeling, you may
need one or two permits for you to be able to pursue with the project
without worrying that the local code enforcement department will
come and take down whatever it is that you’ve already done. Below is a
basic guide that might help you get around with acquiring permits for
your project.
WHO: Generally, if you are hiring a contractor, they will be the ones
to secure all the necessary permits -- which is a good move that
homeowners should consider, as professionals already know their way
around these permits. Just be sure to hire a reliable one. On the other
hand, if you are doing the project yourself -- well, who else are you
expecting to apply for and acquire the permit/s?
WHAT: Not sure what permits you need and what type of projects
need one? You can contact your city or county’s code enforcement
department. This way, you can also ask for other details such as
documentary requirements and fees. You can also check online -- visit
your local code enforcement department’s website or other resources.
WHERE:Tosecurepermits,youmayneedtogopersonallytoyourcityor
county’s code enforcement department, especially for bigger projects.
Other locales offer online processing for smaller projects, so take the
time to check -- and double-check.

10. PART 1 - PREPARING YOURSELF FOR WINDOW INSTALLATION
WHEN: Of course, you need to acquire the needed permits BEFORE you
begin your project. Check or ask the documents you need and once
these are complete, you can already apply for the permits.
HOW: Acquiring permits is generally easy as long as you know the basic
and most important details of your project and if you have the needed
documents. First, as mentioned above, get in touch with your local
code enforcement department to know the things that you’ll need.
Next, file your application. Lastly, get your permits and start building
or renovating. If you’re hiring a contractor and their service includes
getting the permits, you no longer have to worry about these.
Additional HOW: How much is a permit? For small projects such
as installing a new toilet, a plumbing permit may cost $100 or
less. Meanwhile, for bigger projects such as a room addition, the
building permit may run around $1000. If you are working with a
contractor, ask if these costs are already included in the contract.
If you still aren’t certain about how permits work, getting the assistance
and service of a trusted professional or contractor is the best course of
action. DIY projects are definitely fun and exciting, but entering realms
you are unfamiliar with may not help you get fulfilling and successful
home improvement results.

11. DABELLA EXTERIORS LLC
10300 SW NIMBUS AVE
SUITE P-B PORTLAND, OR 97223
503-641-7676
DABELLAEXTERIORSLLC.COM