A building permit gives you legal permission to construct, alter or add square footage to a residential or commercial structure. These projects usually require plans and specifications which are reviewed by a plans examiner to determine compliance with applicable building and safety codes. A building permit is then issued and is important because the permits and the inspection process protect you from sub-standard construction, that if failed could not only decrease your property value, but bring harm to family, customers, or yourself.

Many people try to get around “pulling a permit,” but beware – if it is determined that indeed you do have illegal construction and non-permitted construction on your property, you may be forced to tear it down.