WONDERING IF YOUR PROJECT NEEDS A PERMIT?

The answer to this question is generally YES! 
Some contractors will tell you that "since your work is voluntary, you do not need a permit", in most cases this is FALSE.  Firstly, we must understand that a building permit serves multiple purposes. For instance, the monies that you submit for plan check go to compensating the city for use of their engineers' time and expertise in verifying that plans and calculations meet all the criteria required by the city.  The permit fees pay for clerical and more importantly, the city inspectors that come to your property to inspect the work.  If you circumvent this permit process, you not only take the chance of your contractor performing substandard work, but could in fact jeopardize the future sale and value of your property and possibly lead to legal complications.   Failure to obtain the proper permits for your patio, fire pit, foundation repair, or even your dream pool, etc.. could effect your home and/or the property of those around you. If your contractor does not want to permit the project, he is either not confident that it will be done properly, or he simply needs a project that his crews can start "right now" with out waiting on a permit.  Remember, it is generally quicker and cheaper to do things correctly the first time, than to do it over. 

NO PERMIT = DISASTER!
The city is NOT the enemy.  They are there to insure that your home or business repair is done correctly for your safety and for the safety of those around you. Be aware that the city could red tag your home if they become aware that work is proceeding without proper permits and inspections. Often times, this occurs by way of a phone call from a "not so friendly neighbor" or a begrudged contractor that did not win your job.  


Does your project need a permit? Click the link below to learn more DIRECTLY FROM THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES: