Design Dispatch

Why Bother with Permitting...?

Ever consider upgrading your home and wonder if you need a permit? Every city has its own rules about what projects must be permitted. Some are less stringent while others require permitting for what seem like simple repairs, such as replacing a toilet or kitchen faucet. Though insuring that buildings meet minimum safety and health standards, cities also require permitting to generate revenue. Again, fees vary drastically from city to city depending on the type of project.

When considering your project, you may ask yourself if you can just skip the permitting process and save a little money on the cost of the work. While electing to complete the work without a permit may save some money upfront, it could cost much more in the long run. If the city ever learns that work has been done without a permit (such as when you sell your home), you could face stiff penalties, fees, and increased property taxes—not to mention the possibility of having to undo work that was done so an inspector can verify that interior work (electrical within a wall for example) meets code.

Before you decide to renovate your home, be sure to check with your city’s planning department to see what work should be permitted and what the fees are. To find your building department online, Google the name of your city with the term “plan check.”

Still not sure? Papke Designs is happy to help! Contact us.

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Drawings for Planning

Q: I’m thinking of having an office built and I’d like to get some contractor estimates on the cost of the project. I’m not really sure where to start. Can Papke Designs help?

A: Yes! For planning and costing purposes, there is generally no need to expend the cost of having a complete set of plans drafted. A floor plan showing the layout of the building and a site plan showing where the building will be situated on the property along with any parking requirements is a great place to start. With these preliminary drawings, you can obtain cost estimates and move on to the next step in planning for your project.

Note: Papke Designs recommends always getting at least three cost estimates for every project from licensed contractors.

Drafting Services

Q: Is Papke Designs an engineering or architecture firm?

A: Papke Designs specializes in providing 2D AutoCAD drafting and design services, primarily for production of construction drawings, but is not an engineering or architecture firm. All work for permitting is completed under the direction of an engineer, architect, or licensed contractor. Papke Designs has teamed up with a very well qualified structural engineer and, upon client request, will retain the services of the engineer to consult on the project and provide any required stamps, reports, etc. Alternatively, Papke Designs will work with your contractor, engineer, or architect for project completion.

For all projects, it is recommended that you have your plans reviewed by a licensed contractor, engineer, or architect prior to construction/permit applications to ensure that your project complies with all applicable codes, regulations, and requirements.

Planning a new project?

Be sure to verify the contractor's license is valid for the type of work in advance! As always, Papke Designs is available if you have questions or need any help.

California Contractors State License Board:

Engineering Services Are Available!

Papke Designs has teamed up with well-qualified and highly experienced structural and electrical engineers as well as an excellent Title-24 company. In addition to the guarantee of high quality AutoCAD drawings for all projects, clients in need of engineering or Title-24 now have the option of including these reports and stamps for their projects.

Contact us today to get started on your next project!

Did you know...?

In California, it’s unlawful for a contractor to request excessive down payments for home improvement work. Down payments can be no larger than 10 percent of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less. Also, except for a down payment, “the contractor may neither request nor accept payment that exceeds the value of the work performed or material delivered.” Contractors violating these regulations may face fines or even jail time.

Before you hire a contractor, Papke Designs encourages you to research the applicable laws and regulations on the California Contractors State License Board website (http://www.cslb.ca.gov).