Homeowners should pull a permit if they're undertaking any kind of major home improvement project. It'll help you determine what's needed, and whether or not you're legal. HVAC systems can be expensive to replace and if you are hiring a contractor it is important to make sure they apply for a permit as well as avert any potential fines. This will also save you from costly additional repairs in the future.
I’ve noticed that many people are worried about permits and inspections. Their old systems needed to be checked, this concern is what compelled them to hire contractors. But because they bypassed obtaining a permit and arranging an inspection, the cost of their contractors went up.
Rates of HVAC installation permits and inspections are rising so it's important to ensure you have a contractor who will provide these services. Skipping them could lead to legal problems, and fines, and take more time than it takes to get a permit in the first place.
Building permits ensure that properties are structurally sound, and safe, and meet the standards set by local building codes. Routine inspections also make sure equipment is running smoothly.
At the end of this post, you'll know how to find out if your contractor applied for a permit on your behalf.
Inspection Before Installation
An inspection is always carried out in order to know that the permitted job was done correctly. The role of a third-party inspector is to check and confirm that all safety precautions have been taken, like ensuring the installation was made according to city building codes and national standards.
The inspector is there to inspect your permit. They typically only focus on the installation subject to the inspection fee being paid but equipment installed improperly may require a separate inspection by a licensed electrician. You or your contractor should have obtained this as part of their permit application as it usually provides cover for any associated costs.
You’ll likely need to get a two-trip permit. This covers a rough inspection and a final inspection.
Inspecting walls during the rough stage can help identify any potential issues and make them easier to fix. All of this work is done before walls are finished, ensuring a safe and productive environment. The last inspection generally occurs after the drywall is up, paint is on, and trim gets installed. This often happens right before you move in.
Homeowners can end up with an improperly installed HVAC system, even if they hire a knowledgeable, licensed contractor. The home inspection is there to make sure to avoid these mistakes. You should schedule inspections for your HVAC system.
Permit Requirements For HVAC Installation
A building permit is a conditional authorization granted by a city or county to build a particular project. For example, if the project involves construction or any type of remodeling, you'll need the necessary documents for approval and may face issues if you don't have one.
For the following reasons, you may need to get a permit from your local building department.
- New HVAC installation
- The furnace, coil, and FAU need to be replaced.
- HVAC Changeout
- Relocation/ Removing an existing HVAC unit
- Installing or repairing more than 40ft of ducting
It’s best to research the requirements for your specific city or township. There will likely be differing permit requirements and fees, depending on where your home or business is located. Contact a local business specialist Quintic Engineering in your area for more information.
Once you have obtained a building permit, it’s important to carry out the installation as soon as possible. If you don’t, the inspector is likely to come back and find your business or home for not following the contracting requirements of the permit.
For instance, here are some of the documents that you would need to present in order to be granted a permit for construction:
- A current contractor's license is required for all contractors. If the homeowner is doing their own work, they must complete a satisfactory exam with the relevant building authority.
- The proposed location of the HVAC system on the site plan.
- An electrical permit
- If you're looking for HVAC gas piping, you need a permit that's specific to those pipes.
While some HVAC contractors choose not to get permits because they want to save themselves the hassle, many are also worried that they can’t be pros at what they do if their work isn’t up to requirements.
Licensed contractors may not be the cheapest option, but they make sure to do the best job possible while also caring about the customer. That said, it’s better to be safe than sorry so getting licensed is worth the cost.
Why Permits Are Necessary?
Building permits typically need to be obtained by each city and town, as they are issued on an individual basis. All permits indicate that the mentioned area has given approval for the building and is essential for residents.
Building permits protect against any potential legal threats. They make sure that your business is complying with laws, like making sure your construction complies with safety standards and has been inspected by professionals.
Keep in mind, that if there were no building permit requirements for major structural projects, it’s likely that things would happen that are not safe for people in the buildings.
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