Do you need to make some repairs to your home’s foundation? You may have to get a building permit first!
Before commencing any work, always check if your city requires a permit for foundation repair. If you’re hiring a reputable contractor, they should be able to respond to this question. In the event a permit is required, the contractor should be the one to get the permit for you. Take note that a majority of Texas cities such as Dallas, Irving, Plano, Arlington, and Fort Worth, require a permit for foundation repair.
The following is what you need to know about getting a building permit for foundation repairs:
Reasons You Need a Building Permit For Foundation Repair
Without a permit, city authorities can step in and stop your project at any time. You can also be fined for failure to acquire a permit. The fines levied for non-compliance with a residential foundation repair can be as much as $500, and they unnecessarily delay your project. In most cases, the fines are usually less than $60. It is inconvenient for a foundation repair company to commence your 2-3 day project, only for it to be stopped halfway by a city inspector. A competent foundation repair contractor will maintain a list of which cities require permits.
When you fail to obtain a foundation repair permit prior to commencing work, your project is delayed for several days. You could wait for up to a week for city authorities to issue the permit. In some cases, the matter could drag on for a longer period of time, such as in a historical district or floodplain.
When you hire an expert, the contractor will make prior arrangements to obtain the permit in advance. A reputable contractor understands they have to take care of permit applications on your behalf.
An Engineer’s Report is Required to Apply For a Permit
Yes, an engineer’s report is a key requirement for the processing of a foundation repair permit. For a contractor to obtain a permit for repairs, they must hand in an engineer’s report together with the application for the permit. They must also register with the city as a general contractor.
Because an engineer’s report is not free, this charge is passed on to you. These charges are usually incorporated into the final quote a contractor gives you. If you realize your contractor has given you a quote without a city permit or initial engineer’s report, you need to find out why it’s not included. Final engineer’s reports are handled as separate entities and come with their own costs. It’s always wise to inquire about all these issues before starting repairs to avoid any nasty surprises.
Your Foundation Repair Permits Cost Depends on Your City
It’s important to note that permit charges will depend on where your property is located. For instance, in Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex, a permit goes for between $30 and $350. Cities such as Grand Prairie charge a flat levy for a permit. Arlington, Texas determines the permit fee based on the total price of the foundation project.
With that in mind, it’s you need to check these costs while making your budget. This will ensure that you can cover the cost of repairs and any necessary permits.
Bottom Line
There is a strong chance that you’ll need to acquire a building permit prior to carrying out a foundation repair. The cost of these permits can vary so it’s best to factor that into your repair budget.
If you have suspicions about your home and wish to have its foundation examined, get in touch with Granite Foundation Repair. Our work area covers the entire Metroplex, and we offer free estimates for foundation repairs. Contact us today to learn about our services