Five Things You Need a Building Permit for in Caledonia

With cabin fever setting in, some residents may be thinking about building or remodeling projects. As you move through this process, we thought you might want to know what types of things you would need a building permit for in the Village of Caledonia.

Getting a building permit before starting a project will save you time and money. If the project is not inspected, you might have to hire a contractor to rip out the project to have it inspected. “This is more costly in the long run, so you are better off taking out the permits and doing it the proper way,” said Kirk Buchaklian, the village building inspector.

And If you don’t get a building permit?

 “The village can triple fine you,” Buchaklian said. “Most contractors know this, but people doing the work themselves may not. We tend to give them the benefit of the doubt and charge for the building permit, but don’t fine them.”

Also, state licensed contractors are required to do the work. But if a homeowner wants to do their own work or hire someone who is not a licensed contractor, they need to sign a cautionary statement saying that if the work is faulty, they are responsible for it.

Also, some of these items may require a zoning permit, so please check with the county’s zoning laws as well. If you have any questions, feel free to call Kirk Buchaklian at 835-6420.

Fence permits

Why: Need to make sure they aren't put in easements.

Cost: $50 

Hot water heaters

Why: Need to make sure they are installed properly.

Cost: $25

Reroofing projects

Why: You are only allowed to put two layers of shingles on your house. There are certain shingles you can use on your garage, but you can’t use on your house and the house needs to be properly vented.

Cost: varies but the minimum is $64.41

Sheds and recreation room remodeling

Why: Any space greater than 36-square-feet needs to be inspected. Sheds also need to be anchored or put on a slab of concrete.

Cost: Depends on how big the project is.

Asphalt driveway

Why: To make sure that the area has proper drainage, that natural drainage isn’t restricted and there are no runoff issues with abutting properties.

Cost: $75