Introduction to Home Projects

The Allen County Building Department is celebrating Building Safety Week May 3 to 9. Across the nation, communities are promoting the use and understanding of building safety and fire prevention codes to protect lives and property.

One of the many things for you to consider is whether or not you need a permit for your home improvement project.

All structures-from office buildings to single-family homes to decks and sheds- are required to meet building safety codes. To ensure these safety codes are met, our trained inspectors visit the structure during construction and upon completion.

You need a permit so the Building Department knows what kind of work you're doing and can send the inspector with the appropriate knowledge to complete the inspection.

In addition to helping make sure your home improvements are done safely, securing a permit is part of maintaining the record on your property. When someone is considering purchasing property, it can be valuable to know what work has been done on the property, when it was completed and who completed it.

Examples of projects needing permits include:

• Re-roofing
• Installing electrical outlets
• Replacing windows
• Remodeling kitchens or bathrooms
• Installing a pool, spa or hot tub
• Building an addition, including seasonal rooms
• Installing appliances and replacements such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, fireplaces and space heaters