Prior to the commencement of any construction activity, an application for building permit must be submitted to the Village by the property owner or his or her agent.  The design submittal should include the application and three (3) complete sets of working plans.

Additions require a site plan reflecting the location of the addition, final architectural and engineering drawings, including elevations, building height, size, materials and colors and any other additional information which may be reasonably required by the Building Department.  Additionally, a homeowner’s association or developer architectural review letter, if applicable, must be included with the application. Plans should be drawn to a minimum scale of ¼” = 1’0”.

In the event that any exterior remodeling or alterations to a building changes more than 30% of the existing improvements, and the building inspector  determines in his sole discretion that the improvements be reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee, an architect or engineer due to the nature of the submittal, he shall so notify the applicant.

Hand annotations will not be accepted on final plans unless they apply to minor changes that are initialed by both the applicant and the Building Inspector as being acceptable.  In all other cases, the plans must be re-drawn by the architect before the Building Department will approve them. 

Home Remodeling Tips

Talk with friends and neighbors.  People that have had experiences with contractors (good or bad) are always willing to share their knowledge

Conduct interviews with potential contractors.  Remember the contractor is working for you.  An employer would never hire a worker without knowing something about them or their work ethic.  If his or her idea of a job well done and yours are not compatible, find someone else.  There are a lot more contractors than there is work.

Ask for references (at least 3) from work the contractor has done in your area.   Make sure your references had work done similar in nature to your proposed project.

Check with the Better Business Bureau.  Checking with the Better Business Bureau will give you an opportunity to see if a contractor you are planning to hire has had any complaints filed against them.

Make sure the contractor has insurance.  Without insurance you may be liable if a worker is hurt in your home.  Once the scope of work has been decided, get at least three bids.  Check material pricing with that of your local building supply store to see if the price quoted is fair.

Insist on a written contract:  Get a written contract and make sure you understand the terms.  Include a time frame for the completion of the project, but do not rush. If the contractor states the project will take 8 weeks, do not insist on 6 weeks, doing so will affect the quality of work. Include the payment plan and agree to who will handle additional unforeseen expenses such as reinspection fees. Come to an agreement as to who will handle the permit process and the scheduling of required inspections.  (All construction jobs require inspections during the course of work).  If the contractor is scheduling the inspections, ask for a copy of the inspection results and keep them with the permit.

Making payments.  It is not unusual for a contractor to require some money up front before construction starts.  However, make sure the payments do not get ahead of work to be completed.  Never pay the full cost of the job up front.  If a contractor insists on full payment up front, look for a different person.