Page 23 - What You Need to Know to Find the Right Builder

Chapter 6

Bonus Chapter- The Building Processes.

• Final Construction Plans. Note that approved preliminary plans are not the

final construction plans, but will often be useful for permitting, and lending
requirements. A detailed final construction plan for your home, including
building cross-sections, framing plans, ceilings heights, window and door
schedules, roof system details, and all other details that your builder needs
to build this home must now be drawn by your designer or architect. It is
typical for these plans to also be approved by a structural engineer. While
the architect can draw the design, they typically do not approve the

structural requirements to build. A licensed structural engineer can work in
concert with your architect to ensure all needed snow loads, wind loads,
floor loads, etc. are acceptable under state or local building codes.
• Permitting. Different towns or cities will have different processes and
requirements as well as different fees. Fees can range from a few hundred
dollars to thousands. It’s best to talk with your local code enforcement
officer to get more detail. To apply for a building permit the town will likely

require a lot plan with your expected home location marked out, as well as
a house plan which has all dimensions clearly defined. Your builder will
need to have the building permit in hand before the foundation can be
poured. Legally they can sometimes start excavation and site work without
a building permit, but the code enforcement officer may feel slighted
thinking that you’re trying to deceive them. It’s never good to start off on
the wrong foot with someone in an authoritative position so it’s usually

best to get the permit in hand before digging. Also, if your lot is to have a
septic system, you will need to get a septic or exterior plumbing permit.
The earlier mentioned septic design will need to be given to the code
enforcement officer for proper permitting before the septic system can be
installed. An inspection of the system during installation will also be
required. An internal plumbing permit is not the same as a septic permit.
There is typically a fee for each plumbing fixture that is to be installed.
Often, the plumber will include this fee in the plumbing proposal and apply

for this permit on your behalf, so you usually do not need to apply for this

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