Building a new home is an exciting undertaking, but it requires a lot of preparation and paperwork. In the United States, getting a residential new construction permit is essential before starting any construction work. Here are the 6 important steps you can follow to obtain a residential new construction permit in the US:
Check with your local building department before starting any construction. It’s important to verify your land’s zoning restrictions and local code requirements before starting the design process. Each city or county has different requirements, so make sure you’re following the correct procedures.
Hire a licensed architect or engineer. Building a new home requires the expertise of a licensed architect or engineer. Starting with a professionally drawn permit-ready set saves months of design time and significantly reduces fees. Designs like our 20’ x 26’ Adirondack Cabin, 20’ x 24’ Budget Cabin, or the 34’ x 48’ Modern Farmhouse include complete permit-ready drawing packages that give your architect or engineer a 95% head start — they just modify the editable CAD files to meet your site’s specific requirements.
Submit building plans to the building department. Once you have hired a licensed architect or engineer, they will prepare the necessary drawings and specifications for your new home. These plans must be submitted to your local building department for review, which can take several weeks.
Pay the permit fees. Once your plans have been approved by the building department, you will be required to pay the permit fees. These fees vary depending on the size and complexity of your project.
Obtain necessary inspections. During the construction process, you will need to obtain necessary inspections to ensure that your new home is being built according to the approved plans.
Complete final inspection and obtain occupancy permit. Once construction is complete, a final inspection will be conducted by the building department. If successful, you will be issued an occupancy permit, which allows you to move into your new home.
In addition to these steps, a few important reminders: be prepared for delays, follow all safety and zoning regulations, and work with a reputable licensed contractor. You can expedite the process by starting with one of our architectural plan sets, which will get you 95% to the finish line.