Did you hear your foundation repair expert talk about “pulling a permit” and wonder what that meant? Or, if they even had the knowledge and experience to know a permit is required?
Your contractor needs to apply for a building permit from your city, village, township, municipality, or county. Foundation repair permits are required to ensure job safety, system procedures, and quality.
Not obtaining a permit can result in a work stoppage. This will increase your mobilization and restarting costs while the permit is properly applied for and obtained. In a worst-case scenario, fines can be as expensive as your entire project.
Keep reading below to learn when foundation repair permits are needed, how to apply, and what you should expect.
When Foundation Repair Permits are Needed
Simple projects like painting, changing out faucets, or installing new carpets don’t require a permit, but home foundation repair services usually do.
With the exception of filling small cracks with epoxy, you’ll need to pull a building permit from your city. Permits are designed to ensure the work is being done safely while following building codes.
The process varies from city to city, but typically a contractor/homeowner needs to:
- Complete a permit application
- Be a registered contractor with the village or town your project is in
- Provide proper insurance and bonds to the village or town
- Submit a site plan, scope of repair, and, often, stamped and sealed structural engineer drawings
- Schedule an appointment for approval
- Wait until a permit is approved before beginning construction
- Schedule a final inspection with a certificated village inspector who will sign off on the completed job
The good news is that United Structural Systems of Illinois, Inc. can take care of all the permitting for you. That’s why it’s important to hire a trustworthy contractor who follows the rules.
Submit These Materials with Your Permit Application
You should ensure that whoever is submitting the permit application — you or your contractor — turns in stamped and sealed structural engineer drawings.
This means that a licensed professional structural engineer has reviewed your plans, completed proper drawings and calculations, and stamped and sealed the documents to be included with your permit application for city plan reviewers.
It’s also important to check that your plans include proper load calculations since the work is being done on the foundation of your home.
Anticipate a Home Foundation Repair Inspection
Legally, your foundation repair service can’t begin until the permit is issued.
Your contractor is probably aware of this, but most cities require the permits to be visible near the front of the home while work is underway.
Residential foundation repair services may include removed slab lifting, underpinning, crack repair, or wall stabilization. Reputable, certified companies will ensure the work is done to code and that only the best materials are used.
The very last step is scheduling for a city inspector to review and sign off on all of your repairs.
Did your repair come with transferable warranties? Then, you should file it away to present later if you ever sell your home.
Don’t Let Permits Intimidate You
Most contractors will secure foundation repair permits on your behalf, but it’s still important to know your local process in case something happens. We recommend letting them do it because whoever applies for the permit assumes all liability.
Are you collecting quotes for home foundation repair services? Reach out to your city’s building permit office at the same time to verify the steps.
Call us today at 847-382-2882 if you have any questions about foundation repair or if you’d like to schedule a free consultation.
