This summer, I plan to have a paver patio (made of EP Henry Old Towne Cobble pavers in pewter) installed in my backyard. I've vetted a few contractors, and have chosen one, mostly based on the quality of similar jobs that he has performed for nearby homes.
While searching for contractors, I was told by some that I wouldn't need a permit. But I checked it out with my town's construction/zoning office, and discovered that I would indeed need one. I visited the construction office on Friday, and was told that my permit should be approved either today or tomorrow.
Why get a permit
When remodeling or improving your home, it's best to determine whether your local municipality requires a permit for the type of work you plan to do, and if one is required, to get such a permit. It is in your best interest to do so.
For instance, while visiting the construction/zoning office in my town, I learned that the town requires that no more than 30 percent of a residential property be covered with hardscaping, such as patios, walkways and driveways. With the patio that I plan for my yard, approximately 27 percent of our property will be hardscaped, so the project will fall within approved limits.
Meeting local requirements is crucial, because you wouldn't want to be forced to undo your project later should it come to the attention of local officials.
Safety net
Also beneficial is that after my patio is completed, an official from my town will come out to inspect the patio, checking for safety standards and to make sure it is properly graded. Grading is crucial for a patio -- without proper grading, water could pool or collect on it, instead of flowing away from the home.
In some cases, homeowners avoid permits because they can be a hassle to obtain, because there's a cost involved (I had to pay $45 to submit my application) and because getting the necessary approvals can slow down a project. Also, some people may not want to tip off the local tax assessor about their home improvement project, either.
But in the long run, working with the necessary permits can save you money in the long run -- they offer quality control, and they also could be a money saver when it comes time to sell. The last thing you'd want is having to put more money into your house because a seller demands that all your home improvements be brought up to code. Or, worse come to worse, have a buyer walk away from your house because of your unpermitted home improvements.—Lauren Baier Kim