Permits protect the safety and value of your home.

How do permits protect my home?

·         Permits ensure that a certified building inspector inspects the construction project or installation. Inspections help make sure work is done safely and to code. When a city or county inspector approves work, you can ask questions from an expert and know that the work has been checked for life safety violations. This is of particular value to the do-it-yourselfer who doesn?t make installations every day. Incorrect installations can result in house fires, flood damage, and/or structural problems.

·         Permits are designed to assure that licensed contractors do the work if the homeowner doesn?t handle the job. Only Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licensed contractors, and those who carry a trade license, such as plumbers and electricians, are allowed to work legally in Oregon. State and local building departments issue permits only to contractors who are properly licensed and bonded.

What about value? Getting a permit can save you money!

·         Inspections help ensure that work meets the building code. Inspections not only reveal minor problems that could lead to costly repairs, but also liability and life-safety concerns like structural weaknesses, dangerous wiring or defective plumbing.

·         When it comes to selling a house, Oregon law now requires full disclosure of remodeling work and whether permits were obtained. If work is not permitted, instead of closing on your home, you?ll have to scramble to catch up with permits, inspections, and additional repair work if the installations weren?t made to code.

What can homeowners can do to protect themselves:

·         Insist on permits!  It simply doesn?t pay to cut corners when it comes to your biggest financial asset, your home.

·         Check a contractor?s CCB license to ensure that a contractor is legally licensed and bonded to work in Oregon. Beware of a contractor willing to work without permits.

·         Use?or insist that the contractor uses-- licensed plumbers and electricians. Along with homeowners working on their own homes, only licensed plumbers and electricians are legally allowed to do plumbing or electrical work in Oregon. Professional trades licenses reflect four years of intense training and annual continuing education and ensure that contractors are qualified to do the work.

How do I get a permit?

·         When using licensed contractors, they will take out the permits. Always retain copies for your records.

·         If you are doing the work yourself, you can call the local building department or use the Internet. Getting a permit is as often as easy as downloading a form and sending the application and fee to the local jurisdiction.

·         County and city front desks are set up to help you through the permit process.

A message of your state and local building departments and the Construction Contractors Board, December, 2004