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.
Reasons Why You Need To Have a 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 of a residential foundation repair can be as much as $500, they unnecessarily delay your project. In most cases, the fines are usually less than $60. It is inconveniencing 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
Permit charges depend on your location. 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 determines the permit fee based on the total price of the foundation project.
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.
