William Raveis Real Estate
John Mahan, William Raveis Real EstatePhone: (508) 331-8339
Email: [email protected]

Build permit 101: What you need to know

by John Mahan 11/26/2023

Most major construction or renovation projects require obtaining a building permit. However, because not every project requires a permit, it can be difficult to know if your particular plans require one. Here is a simple guide to help you determine if you need a permit:

You will likely need a building permit for:

  • Demolishing any walls or structures. This includes interior and exterior walls, as well as separate structures like free-standing garages.
  • Changing or replacing the pipes in your home. Building permits are required for major plumbing projects to ensure the work is done correctly and safely.
  • Re-roofing your house.
  • Converting a garage into a living room or similar projects. Changing the major use of a room often requires changes to plumbing and electrical systems, which always requires a building permit.

You don’t usually need a permit for:

  • Repainting the outside of your house.
  • Replacing minor kitchen appliances.
  • Replacing kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
  • Installing new flooring.
  • Building a small fence in your yard.

How to get a build permit

There are multiple steps to obtain a building permit for any of the above scenarios. Here is a basic guide to the permit process:

  1. Download or obtain a permit application from the local permit office for the specific project you’re planning.
  2. Prepare a site plan. You may need an architect or other contractor to help you draw the plans.
  3. Schedule an appointment for plan approval. The timing for this part of the process can vary depending on the extent and type of your project.
  4. Once you obtain your permit, you’ll need to schedule one or more inspections during the process. These inspections make sure you’re following the agreed-upon project plan.
  5. Once your project is completed, all that’s left is to get final city approval.

This is only a basic guide to building permits for major home projects. For a thorough list of the proper permits, consult a contractor or construction professional for details regarding your specific project and plans.

About the Author
Author

John Mahan

I'm John Mahan, Sales Associate with William Raveis Real Estate, Harwich Port Office.

Throughout his childhood, John Mahan spent summers on Cape Cod at his parents’ home in Dennis Port. His intro to the Cape was, as he puts it, when his parents “carried me down the stairs at Sea Street Beach when I was a week old.” With a lifelong connection to Cape Cod, it seemed only natural for John and his wife, Mary, to move to Harwich – where they still reside – with their two young children in 1996.

Prior to moving to Cape Cod, John lived in the Worcester-Auburn area where he worked for Mass Electric for 10 years and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Utility Workers. When John and his family moved to the Cape, he worked at NSTAR for six years.

John began his career in real estate in 2002 when he joined Team Waystack Realty in Harwich Port. He has been a consistent top producing realtor in the Harwich area for the past 20 years. John’s approachable demeanor, combined with an integral understanding of the Cape Cod residential real estate market, have allowed him to build trusting, long-term relationships with his clients – both sellers and buyers.