New construction has been at an all-time high in recent years as the economy rebounds. This means that more and more people are interested in building or expanding their homes or undertaking commercial construction projects.
But with this newfound interest in construction comes an increased level of regulation and bureaucracy, which can bring huge headaches for many homeowners and business owners.
One of the biggest obstacles to new construction is obtaining the necessary permits. In New York and Connecticut, getting a construction permit can be daunting, time-consuming, and expensive.
Construction permits can often be received from local municipal authorities. And failing to get one can result in stiff penalties.
This article will explain how to obtain construction permits in New York and Connecticut and offer some tips on common problems that can arise if you don’t get the right permits.
How to Get a Construction Permit in Westchester County NY
If you’re planning on doing any home improvement or construction work on your home in Westchester County, NY, you’ll need to get a permit first.
The process requires a few steps, and you are often left at the mercy of the county as to how fast the process will flow.
First, you’ll need to download and print the home improvement contractor application from the Westchester County website. Once you have the application, you and your contractor must fill it out and submit it to the Westchester County office.
In addition, contractors must review the Worker’s Compensation Board requirements online. After that, you’ll just need to wait for your permit to be approved, and then you can start construction!
How to Get a Construction Permit in Fairfield County CT
To receive a construction permit in Fairfield County, CT, the process is similar to Westchester County, NY.
First, you’ll need to completely and accurately fill out an application found on the town’s website. As of March 2022, paper applications are no longer accepted for construction permit requests. The city site has a link to the digital application form to complete online.
After you have submitted the application, a construction official will review your plans to make sure they comply with the town’s building code. If everything looks good, you’ll receive your permit and can begin construction!
Common Problems if You Don’t Get the Right Permits
Sometimes, the hassle of getting a construction permit can be daunting, and some homeowners or business owners might be tempted to just skip this step.
However, failing to obtain the proper permits can lead to several problems down the road.
1. Fines: One of the most common penalties for not getting a permit is a monetary fine. In some cases, these fines can be quite steep, and they will only increase if you are caught performing construction work without a permit multiple times.
2. Stopping construction: In some instances, if you are caught performing construction work without a permit, the local authorities may require you to stop work immediately. This can be a major inconvenience, leading to significant delays in your construction project.
3. Demolition: In some extreme cases, if you fail to obtain the proper permits for your construction project, the local authorities may require that the structure be demolished. This is usually only reserved for cases where the construction work poses a safety hazard.
4. Penalties: In addition to fines, you may also be subject to other penalties if you are caught performing construction work without a permit. These can include jail time, community service, or probation.
5. Increased insurance rates: If you obtain a loan for your construction project, the lender will typically require you to purchase insurance. If you are caught performing construction work without a permit, your insurance rates may increase.
6. Difficulty selling the property: If you perform construction work without a permit and don’t disclose this to potential buyers, you may have difficulty selling the property in the future.
Let Remodeling Consultants Take the Hassle out of Permits
The professionals at Remodeling Consultants can handle the entire permit process for you. From start to finish, we’ll handle your entire project. Just think how relieved you’ll feel knowing that all your construction work is legally permitted.
Now is the perfect time to build or renovate. Remodeling Consultants have proudly served Westchester County, NY, and along the NY border in CT, including the towns of New Canaan, Greenwich, Westport, Wilton, and Stamford for over 55 years. Contact us today in Westchester or Fairfield County. You can call our New York office at (914) 381-6900 or our Connecticut office at (203) 321-1250.
