Emergency Services

In an emergency, you need the problem fixed immediately. If you don't have a specialist you trust, you still need to know that your home will be safe and protected.

Imagine it is 1am and your water heater pipe bursts, causing water to spray all over your garage, making a mess, and generally upsetting everyone who is now awake.

Before you call any plumber out of the phone book, check their reputation online (it's an extra 5 minutes to visit the BBB) and ask about permits when you call. You want them there immediately; I understand. But this extra question on the phone of, "Are you going to pull a permit for this work and will I get a copy of the final?" could save you hundreds of dollars down the road if the work was improperly done.

Permit Expediting

Ideal For: Local business owner's or architect's with one or two projects. We help get all their permits for their local locations.

We will conduct:

• Due Diligence: We will research all requirements, time frames, fees and approvals needed for you to understand what must be done then coordinate with your architect or construction manager a permit plan to get your permits in the quickest time possible.
• Submit: We will attend plan check, fill out all paperwork, manage your receipts and payments to the local jurisdiction, negotiate with the city or county on your behalf and manage your corrections as a member of the development team.
• Get Project Ready To Issue: After all the corrections have been made, we will reapply and then fight to get everything ready to issue.

Source: Permit Place

Permit Fees

Like the cost of everything else, permit fees have increased over the years at a steady pace with the inflation rate, but, during the last year, and in the worst recession in decades, the fees charged by municipalities, has in many cases, increased by 100 percent. With local Florida governments looking for additional revenue sources, one of the first places they targeted was permit fees.

Estimate your permit fees to be 3-5% of the cost of your project, or as much as 10% in Key Biscayne and Weston. There are a few municipalities that have held their permit fees at pre-recession levels but they are few and far between. 

Please continue to use the proper permitting process and don't skip doing work under permit as it protects you from fees of up to 150% after the fact, and ensures the work was done properly and will last you a long time.

Relocating a Washer/Dryer

I'll start with the obvious question.
Yes, you will need permits for this project.

Some things to look out for:

• Relocating your dryer will require moving the vent for proper air quality.
• It will likely also cause you to upgrade the electrical outlet in the new location, and possibly at the breaker box.
• Relocating your washer will require you to run sufficient plumbing to the new area and cap off the existing pipes. 
• You will also need to be sure the flooring is secure in the new area, as these are heavy pieces of equipment, especially when full of water. 
• You will also need a proper air vent in the room to remove humidity that can cause mold to grow in the walls or ceiling.

Expedite

Expedite your process by using Your Permit Solution. We will be your go-between in:

• Picking up permits from the City
• Getting them signed off by your contractor
• Arranging inspections
• Arranging re-inspection if necessary
• Handling all the scheduling
• Making every trip to the City so you don't have to
• Standing in line so you never will
• Seeing your project completed quickly and successfully

Replacing a Tub

Replacing a bathtub is a decision no one comes to lightly. Once it's been resurfaced and that surface begins to chip, unsanitary bits can fall into the bathwater and the tub will need to be replaced.

Costs

• Replacing your tub will cost a couple of hundred dollars, just for the tub itself. 
• Installation is the expensive part and can cost you well over a thousand dollars.
• Replacing the hardware (faucets and spout) are generally around $100, depending on your style.
• Replacing the tiles at the floor and wall can vary greatly depending on your style.
• Another large part of this cost is permitting. 

Permits
Permits need to be pulled on any job involving plumbing. It is not advisable for the common homeowner to attempt to replace a bathtub as it is heavy, grimy work. The complications potentially involved include broken pipes, flooding, broken tiles at the wall and floor, and damage to other parts of the house (such as doorways) when attempting to remove the tub from the house.

A plumbing inspector will be called out a few times to insure your tub was properly uninstalled, and that the new one is properly installed. Doing this step will save you from any potential leaking in the walls (which can lead to foundation damage, wall damage, mold, and more) and you will know that your new tub will last a long, long time.

Allow Your Permit Solution to run all your permits for smooth and quick project completion.

Permitting Made Easy

Let us take the hassle out of permit applications.

From the smallest of jobs, such as trimming a tree, all the way up to the multi-million dollar high-rise project, we at Your Permit Solution handle all aspects of permit requirements from beginning to end.

Start your project by clicking our online application form HERE.

Needs Permitting

The following common alterations or improvements require a building permit:

• Making a structural addition
• Installing a new roof
• Blocking off or adding a door or window
• Adding or relocating electrical outlets
• Adding or relocating plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers)
• Converting a garage or storage area to an air conditioned occupied space
• Installing or replacing an air conditioning system

Source: Real Estate Inspections

Hurricane Safe

We’re not as safe as we can be from hurricanes

 

BY LESLIE CHAPMAN-HENDERSON

WWW.FLASH.ORG

Twenty years ago, Hurricane Andrew made landfall in South Florida in the middle of the night of Aug. 24. When residents from Key Largo to North Miami walked outside their homes the next morning, they gasped at a level of devastation that had never been seen before.

Much has changed since then in Florida and around the nation. We have made great progress in the past 20 years to strengthen our coastal areas against the unstoppable reality of hurricanes. But we cannot become complacent simply because time has allowed memories to fade.

Mitigating the damage of natural disasters and, in some cases, actually preventing damages, is a proven money-saver. A 2005 study by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that, on average, a dollar spent by FEMA on hazard mitigation saves the nation $4 in future benefits. We believe the savings for property owners are even greater.

There are three fundamental building blocks to improved mitigation:

•  Stronger building codes. The creation of the International Code Council in 1994 gave us a single entity to draft model building codes that can be, and are, used as guidelines for local codes worldwide. Stronger building codes help drive the creation, and adoption, of better building products and practices. Alabama, for instance, this year adopted its first-ever statewide residential code.

Many hurricane-exposed states, unfortunately, still are lagging. Alarmingly, there have been efforts to weaken building codes in some states.

An Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) study last December found that, on a 100-point scale, only seven of 18 coastal states scored higher than 80 points when ranked for “strong statewide residential building codes and comprehensive regulatory processes for the building code officials, contractors, and subcontractors, who translate building code requirements into actual homes.” Bottom of the pack? Mississippi, Delaware and Texas.

•  Incentives, both public and private. Financial incentives work wonders in improving mitigation and reducing losses. Florida, for instance, has the nation’s most robust system of insurance incentives. Residents are supposed to receive a significant discount off of hurricane insurance if their homes were built after 2002 under the newer Florida Building Code.

Older homes also can get credits for mitigation features ranging from storm shutters, water barriers and impact doors and windows. Insurers are required by law to provide mitigation incentives in Florida, Louisiana and Maryland. Incentives are voluntarily offered in Alabama, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island and South Carolina.

But we need more incentives. Local governments should consider property-tax relief for homeowners who invest in mitigation. Governments also should waive taxes and fees on specific mitigation work, such as shutter installations. Sales-tax holidays could be implemented for all hurricane-protective devices. None of these efforts are particularly onerous, but provide the incentives to promote action.

•  Education about mitigation and prevention. Understanding the positive impact of mitigation and damage prevention remains the biggest challenge to our efforts. People lose their lives because they either don’t know or underestimate the dangers of natural disasters. While the media have done an exemplary job of providing useful tips in advance of storms, there is so much more to do. A troubling example: Nearly seven of 10 homeowners think masking tape on windows somehow will help prevent damage, according to a Harris Interactive survey this year. It doesn’t.

Massive losses to the insurance industry from Andrew, Katrina and other storms have resulted in more homeowners being forced to turn to government-backed “insurers of last resort’’ for coverage. That means we increasingly are placing these risks on our own pocketbooks.

Again, we have made great progress. But by no means are we as safe as we can be.

Leslie Chapman-Henderson is President and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH).

Source: Miami Herald

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/14/2951750/were-not-as-safe-as-we-can-be.html#storylink=cpy

Building Code FAQ

The Florida Building Code can be a little tough to decode if you don't speak contractor. Here is the plain and simple translation of your most commonly asked questions from the source.

How often is the code updated?
Every 3 years.

Where does the code come from?
The Florida code is based on the International Building Code, or the "base code", and adapted for state-specific needs.

Can I read the code?
Yes. It is available here. You can even see previous versions at that site.

What requires a permit?
I talk about this all the time. Here's the official stance:

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any impact resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.

Working with your HOA

Before you do any construction on the exterior of your home, check with your Home Owner's Association. Associations are in place to make sure your property value remains high by disallowing mailboxes shaped like giant fish, houses pained 6 shades of neon, and an abundance of trash in the neighbor's yard. However, they may have strict rules as to what type of paint you can use, how many shades lighter your trim can be, what material you need to use on your roof, or the height of your shed or fence. Before you have to undo or redo work on your home, check with your HOA first and get the information in writing.

Electrical Work

Planning on changing or upgrading the electrical work in your home?

When do I need a Permit?
Electrical permits are needed when installing or altering electrical service, wiring, or circuits in existing buildings. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Installing a new or temporary service
• Modifying existing service or circuits
• Relocating an electric water heater, furnace, or other electrical appliance
• An electrical plan may also need to be reviewed

Electrical permits are NOT required in the following cases:

• Appliance replacement without modification to electrical circuits, such as dishwashers
• Appliances connected to outlets with a plug
• Repair or replacement of motors, transformers, appliances, recessed or other light fixtures, switches, or control devices of the same type and rating in the same location
• Taping joints
• Removal of electrical wiring

Source: My Building Permit

Using a Contractor

From last week's blog, you learned that many things around your home require a permit. If you hare having a contractor do the work, we suggest you contact them prior to work beginning with a few permitting questions. A knowledgable contractor will have the answers for you, and will see you as an informed consumer for asking.

We and Florida Impact recommends you ask the following:

• Will all the work be done with a permit?
• How much does the contractor charge for permitting?
• Is that cost inclusive of the city/county permits or is there an additional charge?
• Verify that the name of the contractor you hired is the same as the contractor named on the permit. Generally, the paperwork needs to be left near the work being done and you can check there.
• When the installation is completed, will the contractor will schedule the final permit inspection with the city?

Permit Types - Right-of-Way Permit

When is a permit required?

Anytime you occupy, use, or engage in any activity in a public right-of-way including:

Excavation in paved and unpaved areas Installation of above and below ground facilities Activity that obstructs or impedes traffic

When is a permit not required?

Maintenance activity that makes no material change to the footprint of an existing facility or structure, makes no material change to the surface or sub-surface of a right-of-way, and does not disrupt or impede traffic. Work governed by a permit issued by the Department of Inspections & Permits or governed by a Public Works Agreement.

Prohibited Conduct:

Drainage from private property should not be discharged into a County sidewalk, roadway or roadway storm drain. This includes both sump pumps and raingutter downspouts. Private irrigation systems are not permitted within County rights-of-way. Private fencing is not permitted within County rights-of-way. Private utilities require the grant of an easement prior to occupancy in County rights-of-way. For more information on this any other types of permits, contact Your Permit Solution! Source: AACounty.org

Building Moving Permits!

Building Moving Permits are required for moving any extra-legal load which is overweight and/or oversized on a County Road. This includes:

• Moving Equipment
• Buildings
• Mobile Homes
• Other Oversize Structures

Moving permits must typically be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled shipment and in some cities, transport may only take place during certain hours of the day and on specific days of the week.

Source: SDCounty

Permit Types - Floodplain Development Permit

Floodplain Development Permit

1) When is a Floodplain Development Permit Required?

A floodplain development permit is required for all development‐related changes on a property located in the A and V zones of the Town's FEMA Flood Map, that will alter the drainage characteristics of a property affect any equipment servicing the property, or that constitutes a “Substantial Improvement” under Town Ordinance and FEMA Regulations.

This includes but is not limited to:
‐ Construction of new structures
‐ Modifications or improvements to existing structures.
‐ Site Work that will alter the property’s drainage including: Excavation, Filling, Paving, Drilling, Driving of piles, Dredging, Land clearing, Grading, Landscape Improvements, Permanent storage of materials.
‐ Equipment upgrades or additions (A/C units and Generators).
‐ Vertical Additions or Improvements that are a “Substantial Improvement” per Ordinance and FEMA definitions.


2) Can I submit for my Floodplain Development Permit (FDP) at the same time as my Building Permit?

Yes – A Floodplain Development Permit is an additional permit that is required along with the Master Permit for the work being done. It is like any other Sub‐Permit.


3) What happens if my Floodplain Permit is not approved?

If Your FDP is not approved you will need to submit all items requested for review and they must be correct and current.


4) Why is the Town requiring these permits ?

For many years the Town has participated in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System (CRS) program by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). These programs require a substantial amount of work to maintain the discounts our citizens receive on their flood insurance policies. The fees collected will help to defray the cost of the Town’s participation in these programs. In addition it will insure that the Town’s Floodplain Development ordinance is enforced correctly.


5) What Inspections are required for this permit?

There are three inspections required for this permit. They are: 1) Site Inspection, 2) Ground Rough Inspection ‐ before the slab pour, 3) Final Inspection.


6) Who can be issued a Floodplain Development Permit?

The Floodplain development Permit will be issued to the contractor who is issued the Primary permit for the work being performed at a location.


7) Can I submit “Revisions” to my Floodplain Permit once it is issued?

Yes – This is like any other permit issued by the Town. If there are changes that need to be made a revision is required and may be submitted.

For more information on this and other types of permits, contact Your Permit Solution!


Source: Town of Palm Beach

Permit Types - Elevator Permit

Elevator Permits



Florida law requires every registered elevator company to have a permit issued by the Bureau of Elevator Safety before installing, altering, or relocating any type of vertical conveyance licensed by the bureau.

Before an elevator permit can be issued, the registered Elevator Company doing the installation must do the following:

1. The company must obtain and review the construction plans for compliance with Florida law. These do not have to be turned in to the bureau but the company will be required to affirm that the plans they are using are in compliance.

2. The company must obtain the appropriate application form. If multiple conveyances (elevators, etc) are being installed, separate forms are required for each.

3. The Affidavit of Elevator Code Compliance must be obtained and completed. This form must be signed by a qualified agent of the elevator company doing the installation.

4. All required documentation and fees must be submitted to the appropriate department.

5. Once construction is completed, the conveyance must pass an inspection prior to beginning use.

For more information on this and other types of permits, contact Your Permit Solution!

Source: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Know The Rules Before You Start!

When doing construction on your own, it is important to know the rules. Should you get a Stop Work Order, the following information will help you plan your next move:

When a Notice of Violation/Stop Work Order is issued, the Chief Code Compliance Inspector will make a determination regarding the number of days that the owner of the property will be given to comply.

• Violations that are issued for unsafe structures will be given a period of two (2) or three (3) days to secure the structure. If the owner has not complied within the allotted time given, the city will proceed to secure the property and all charges incurred by the City will be assessed to the property owner as lien.

• Violations for Stop Work Orders or Notice of Violation that require the owner to obtain a permit will be given a period of 30 days to start the permitting process.

• Permits obtained to comply with a violation must receive an approved final inspection in order to close the violation.

The process that the owner of the property will need to follow in order to bring the violation into compliance is written within the violation that has been issued. The Owner of the property can also call 305-673-7610, ext. 6045, 6801, or 2555 and discuss their violation with the Violations Office.

If it is determined that the number of days given to comply is not a sufficient amount of time, an extension of time can be requested by the violator before the compliance date. The request must be made in writing, via mail, or in person, the request must also be made prior to the compliance date.

Your Permit Solution will help you through any project from start to finish. If you find yourself in this situation in the middle of your project, call us and we'll be right there to help!

Source: City of Miami

City of Miami Permit FAQs

The city of Miami has an excellent guide to some of the most frequently asked questions about permits. Permits are important, but they do take time and resources. We at Your Permit Solution can help by taking over the entire process. We offer a no-stress, worry free process!

Why do I need a permit?

It is not only the law to obtain a permit, but a permit ensures that the plans are drawn and the structure constructed in accordance with the Florida Building Code, and all other applicable codes and ordinances, thereby protecting the welfare of life and property.

What types of work needs a Building Permit?

Section 105.1 of the Florida Building Code states:

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any required impact-resistant coverings, electrical, gas mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permits.

Who may obtain the permit?

Licensed Contractors or qualified homeowners, as long as they meet all of the requirements listed below

What are the requirements for owner builders?

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS (OWNER-BUILDER)

1. The owner must prove to the Building Official, or a designee, that he has the knowledge and ability to do the work. Test will be administered.

2. Proof of ownership (warranty deed, closing statement, or Miami-Dade County tax Bill).

3. An owner may apply for a permit, supervise and do the work in connection with the construction, maintenance, repair, alteration, and addition to a single-family or duplex residence for his own use, occupancy, and not intended for sale.

4. No more than one (1) permit shall be issued to an owner for the construction of a new single-family or duplex residence in any twenty-four (24) month period. Permits for alterations and additions, or plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or gas installations shall be issued only in connection with one single-family or duplex residence in any twenty-four (24) month period, although more than one permit may be issued for such work on the same single-family or duplex residence during that period.

5. The owner must come in person between the hours 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM for review of permit documents and application.

6. The permit application and affidavit must be signed and notarized.

7. If there is a violation on the property:

a. No building permit will be issued to a homeowner to cover illegal work.

b. The work must be done by a general contractor or a specialty contractor licensed to do the work.

c. Permits for all work must be obtained ( i.e. Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, etc.).

d. An architect’s or engineer’s report may be required, certifying that the work was done in accordance with the applicable code, and general construction practices as a substitute for required inspections.

What makes up a complete application?

1. For most scopes of works, a completed building permit application and 2 sets of plans.

How long does it take to get a permit?

The time to get a permit issued varies. Some permits can be issued the same day, over-the-counter and others require that the plans be left for review.

What is an inspection card?

An inspection card is issued at the time a permit is issued. The card details the inspections required and by which divisions and/or departments. The card is signed by each inspector conducting an inspection. Once completely signed, it becomes an official record.

What is an inspection?

The inspection card will list all inspections required for a particular job. Inspections are performed by the City inspectors at various intervals. It is the responsibility of the contractor/ owner to call for the inspections. The permit and the top portion of the permit inspection card must be displayed on the job site. In order to avoid a re-inspection fee, make sure that the site is ready to be inspected, all required documents available and access to the inspection site.

What if I have a permit and do not call for inspections?

Permits expire after 180 days if no required inspections have been approved. In order for a project to be complete, it must pass final inspections. In some cases, a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Occupancy may also be required. If a permit expires before final inspections, it becomes null and void, and the project is in violation of the Code. If this is your case, please call our office, we’ll help you activate the permit or apply for a completion permit with as little inconvenience as possible. Our interest is in seeing the project completed, including all final inspections and the protection of life and property.

source: City of Miami

Why and When You Need A Permit

A permit protects the homeowner and the future occupants. If a professional suggests that you do not need one, check with the building department yourself, as this suggestion is usually a red flag that your contractor or architect are trying to cut corners.

It is always to your advantage to get a permit. A permit ensures oversight of the work. The scrutiny of an inspector can guard against mistakes and shoddy workmanship and ensure that the work adheres to building codes.

A permit will also help you avoid headaches in the future. If building officials discover you have done work without a permit, you could be required to dismantle your remodel and start over again. If you sell your house, you might be legally obligated to disclose that you have remodeled without a permit, and the buyer could demand that you bring work up to code.

Some things you need a permit for:

Change the footprint of your house

Replace an electric stove with a natural-gas model

Move a load-bearing wall

Install new electrical wiring

Create a new door or window opening

Move a sink

source: Home Tips