By Ron Goodman 

Mention spring and it usually brings to mind the “birds and bees.”  But love is not the only idea that is born again at this time of year.  Many people begin thinking about renovating their home.  Remodeling can be great fun or it can become an exasperating experience.  To get a good start on your home project, Chief Boulder County Building Inspector Gerry George has a few expert tips.

Is an architect necessary?

Not typically, it depends on the extent of the work.  If  homeowners can prepare plans themselves, and the plans identify all of the proposed work, that will be OK.
When is a  building permit necessary?

It is easier to explain when a permit is not required.  No permit is required for interior decorating, cabinet replacement and wallpapering.  Finishing a basement, re-roofing, new siding and relocating or removing interior partitions does require a permit. 

Permits for new roofing or siding simply require a statement describing the original material, if it is to remain, and a description of the proposed replacement material.

How do I get a building permit?

Apply at the building department office, on the corner of 13th Street and Spruce Street.  You need three copies of the plans or roofing/siding statement.  At the present time, the wait for a permit is four weeks.  It does depend on the complexity of the proposed work and the completeness of the plans.  Minor work is often expedited in one to two weeks.

How much does a building permit cost?

The permit fee is a declining percentage of the total value of the work (labor and materials).  For example, the total fee for a $30,000 renovation will be $419.  The fee breaks down as follows:
Permit and Inspection   $269 
Material Use Tax $37.50 
Recycling Tax $15 
Worthy Cause Tax $7.50 
Plan Checking Fee of $90 

If a homeowner provides all of the labor, the fee is based on the cost of materials plus an equal amount for labor.

Are Inspections Required?

Several inspections are generally required, de-pending on the scope of the work. The inspections required for each project are clearly listed of the back of the permit.  Call before 3:30 p.m. for an inspection on the next business day.  A “Final Inspection Approval” is issued at the completion of all renovation work.  A Certificate of Occupancy is only issued for new construction. 

What about electrical and plumbing work?

Electricians and plumbers are licensed by the county and they must file for any work they do in your home.  Owners can do minor plumbing and electrical work in the home they occupy.  There are special county regulations for owners who do electrical and plumbing work in rental property.

What about insurance?

 There is no county control or requirement that contractors maintain any type of insurance. We recommend that any homeowner review 
a prospective contractor’s insurance-liability and workman’s compensation policy in particular.

How can I get more information?

Call the Boulder County Building Department office on weekdays.  The telephone number is 303-441-3925.