Question: I want to add an addition to my house and want to know if I can I do this myself or must I hire a general contractor?
Answer: In most communities, the homeowners are allowed to do their own work, but every area has its own set of rules. Call your local authority and they should be helpful sharing the requirements. The more rural areas usually require a zoning permit. This assures that you abide by the zoning code. They want to make sure that you build to the property’s zoning classification and stay within the plot plan restrictions such as building heights and distance from lot lines.
The cities with building departments usually require building permits and inspections. They will require drawings, specifications and a list of any subcontractors that you will use to make sure the subcontractors are licensed with the cities. The building authorities are very helpful with explaining what they require and only want to help you make sure you build to the existing code so that your addition is safe and structurally correct.
Once you provide the authorities with the required information they will provide the permits and provide the required inspections. Build your project to code and you should have no problems. So good luck and have fun with your remodeling project.
Don Jason
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