You've assembled your tools and materials and are ready to get started on your latest DIY project. Here's the catch -- do you need a permit? Having one not only ensures you've gone through the proper channels--it also provides necessary documentation that you'll need to provide when selling your house, for example.
We've compiled a list of common projects that may require permits from your city or municipality. When in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to someone who works in your area's permitting department so that you can ensure you have everything in order.
Now, without further ado, here are projects that will likely require permits:
*Moving plumbing. Whether you're moving interior or exterior plumbing, you'll likely need a permit.
*Moving or installing electrical wiring. In addition to requiring a permit, the city may require one or more inspections of the project to ensure that everything is safely and properly installed and is in good working order.
*Cutting out a new door or window. Many projects that require cutting through your home's exterior walls will likely need some sort of permit.
We recently traveled to Las Vegas for SURFACES, and for 2.5 days were immersed in the world of flooring. This was the first year that SURFACES co-located with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, creating a show that focused on both flooring and stone products.
Although consumers tend to only purchase flooring every eight to 10 years, it can be the second most expensive purchase made (aside from the cost of a home) and one that requires planning, budgeting and research.
To help narrow the playing field, we've picked some of our favorite products from this year's show.
Now that a much-needed warm-up has been forecasted across a large portion of the U.S., many homeowners will turn their attention to snow and ice removal, especially those who have been hit hard by recent storms.
If the task ahead is large enough, you may want to call in the big guns. But before you commit to a contractor, we have a few tips you should follow to avoid being taken in by someone who's price-gouging.
Charging too-high prices is common after natural disasters, when consumers are in greater demand for professional help and may be less able to do thorough research. This deceitful practice is such a concern, in fact, that the state of Connecticut has issued a consumer alert for those needing to hire a contractor to clear roofs.
Some words of wisdom about fixed prices from a contractor abroad for work order changes.
I was recently asked to quote for and subsequently do a fairly small job - cosmetically tidying up a basement - building a wall across one part to create a new room, lay some flooring and paint the floor of the garage. I suspected that this may lead to other work for these clients, but had no idea just how much? Nine months later and I was still there! No, I don't work that slowly and Yes, I have finished what I was asked to do!
Everyday, when I arrived, I was met by the Homeowner with the greeting 'Good Morning, I've been thinking about.......', In the end we both agreed that there was no point in me quoting for the jobs any more when they changed everyday and that I would work for a fixed price per day.
