Updating your home with new windows or a deck add-on can totally alter your space. It makes your home feel brighter, more energy efficient, and larger. But, before you get too excited about the prospects of updating your Greenville home, there is something you need to consider: appropriate building permits.
Permitting is an essential part of any renovation or remodeling project, ensuring your home will be structurally sound and safe for your loved ones and the surrounding community. Failing to get an appropriate building permit can result in thousands of dollars in fees and the risk of having to tear out and replace your new home addition.
In this blog, we’ll explore whether you need permitting for your upcoming project, what you need before applying, and explain why your permit may initially be denied.
Do You Need Building Permits for Your New Windows or Deck?
When you think about building permits, you probably think about building large, expansive add-ons to your home. However, even smaller projects, like window installations and deck add-ons, can require permitting in specific situations. When it comes to permitting, both deck and window installations may require some permitting.
If your planned deck add-on is going to be larger than 200 square feet in area, 30 inches above the ground, or serve as an exit door for your property, appropriate permitting is required. Additionally, while a standard window replacement or retrofitting may not require permitting, more expansive projects do.
If your project will alter the structural framing, widen, or resize the existing opening, you do need approval from the city. Who you will apply for your building permit through will depend on the location of your home. Homeowners within city limits need to apply for a permit through the City of Greenville’s Building Permit Portal.
If you live outside of city limits but are in Greenville County, permitting is managed by the county using the eTrakit Permitting System. If you are unsure whether you should apply for the permit, don’t hesitate to reach out to their offices or your contractor for support. They can help you determine what is best for your upcoming project.
Does a Contractor Apply for Your Building Permit?
As you prepare to start a window installation or deck building project, you may wonder whether it’s your responsibility to apply for the appropriate permitting. You may have heard that your contractor can apply for them instead. If you want to ensure that you get the appropriate permits, it is essential that you apply for them yourself.
However, you will need to talk to your contractor during the application process to ensure you get adequate information for your application. They will need to provide you with appropriate licensing information, a notarized Permit Agent Authorization (PAA), and their current business license as provided by the city of Greenville.
By working with your contractor during the building permit application process, you ensure everything is in order before you submit your application. Not only will this ensure that you receive approval for your upcoming deck build or window installation, but it also saves you from repeat application fee costs.
When Should You Apply for Your Permit?
An important step of getting your building permit is applying in a timely manner. Failing to apply for your building permit with adequate time can result in a lack of proper permitting before the anticipated project start. But when should you apply for your permit? If you want to ensure plenty of time, apply for your permit one to three months before the project starts.
The Greenville County Building Safety department usually has a 5 week processing time for permits to be issued. If you don’t apply soon enough, you may find yourself having to push back your project, which may be months if your contractor has other projects scheduled. This also gives you time to make adjustments if your initial permit is denied.
What You Need Before Applying for Your Permit
Greenville, SC, has some strict standards that are required of homeowners before they can apply for permits for their upcoming home renovation or remodeling project. If you want to ensure you have adequate information, make sure your permit application includes the following information:
- Your property’s Tax Map Number (TMN), available through the County Assessor’s Office search portal.
- A clear written description of your project and the estimated valuation of the project following completion.
- Site plans that show property boundaries, the location of existing buildings, and the footprint of your planned deck.
- Building plans that show dimensions, framing, footings, and structural details, as drafted by licensed architects or engineers.
- Licensing documents for your chosen residential contractor and their business license through the city.
- Additional permits if your project includes grading or land disturbance, which must be secured before work begins.
Why Your Building Permit May Be Denied
There is nothing quite as frustrating as finding out your building permit has been denied, especially if your project is quickly approaching. Your application will likely explain exactly why your permit has been denied. However, by knowing why many permits are denied ahead of time, you can take adequate steps to prevent this from occurring.
The most common reasons why a person’s building permit may be denied includes:
- An incomplete application, missing details like dimension details or structural calculations, errors in your plan, or unstamped blueprints.
- Violations of zoning laws, including building too close to your property line or a violation of your HOA’s requirements.
- Plans that fall too close to existing underground or overhead utility lines, including power and sewer lines.
- Plans that will disturb protected lands, fail to meet stormwater management requirements, or build in a designated flood zone.
Work with a Trustworthy Contractor For Your Upcoming Project
If you want to ensure you’re working with a reliable contractor for your upcoming home renovation or window replacement project, turn to our team at Surface Bella for support. For years, we’ve provided expert support to homeowners across Greenville, SC, and beyond. No matter what project you’re planning, we are confident that we can handle it all. Don’t go into another project with an unreliable contractor when we’re here and ready to help.
If you would like to learn more about our team and why we’re the right choice for your upcoming project, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.