Why does this Tenant Improvement Cost So Much?
I’m often asked questions like this in the early phases of a tenant improvement. The client has many questions during early phases of an office relocation, and they normally would prefer to pin down the cost question quickly, so they can make a decision whether to move forward.
Do I Really Need a Phoenix Building Permit for my Home Remodel or Addition?
You may be considering a remodel or add-on to your current home, because you just need a few changes or some more space. Home remodeling takes planning, time and money. The process of getting a building permit only adds to the time and expense. So you ask yourself – do I really need a permit for this? I know it is temping to think this way, but here are a few things you may want to consider.
What is a Phoenix Building Permit?
A building permit signifies that your building meets local city, county and state building construction laws and is a safe structure. Building permits protect everyone against unsafe buildings. SAFE is the word that should get your attention here.
Why is a Building Permit in Phoenix Important to Me?
To save time and money you may think you can skip this step. Outlined below are a few reasons to illustrate why obtaining a building permit may actually SAVE you money:
- Non-permitted work might not be done correctly or to code.
Just because a homeowner hires a contractor doesn’t mean the contractor will do the job correctly. There are several ways to do any project, but not all of them are smart choices.
- Homeowner’s insurance might not cover a defect for non-permitted remodeling.
If a remodel was done incorrectly, you may end up with faulty wiring which could cause a fire. The damage caused by that fire might not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, if the improvement was finished without a permit.
- City might require you to tear it out.
City code often requires that framing be inspected by the City prior to hanging drywall. Things may have to be torn out to be inspected after the fact. More time and money will be wasted.
- City might assess penalties.
There may be fines and penalties for failure to obtain a permit.
- A home appraiser might not include an addition in the square footage.
Without a building permit the County will not be notified of the improvements and added floor area. This may cause the home to appraise for less, and potentially affect a refinance loan for you or a loan for a potential buyer.
“Permit By Inspector” option
The City of Phoenix has “cut the red tape” for obtaining building permits. If you’re planning a minor Commercial or Residential remodel, there is a special program in place at the City of Phoenix that will greatly REDUCE the Permit and Plan Review approval process. Not all construction projects will qualify for what is called a “Permit By Inspector” option, so call 602-262-7811 to review your projects scope of work.
How Do I Know if I Need a Permit?
Each City or Town may have different building permit rules and guidelines you will need to follow. Here are some general guidelines:
You May Need a Phoenix Building Permit, if you’re:
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- Moving a sink- requires the proper extension of plumbing.
- - Demolishing a load-bearing wall- means redistributing weight from above.
- - Changing the home’s roof line framing.
- - Punching in a new window or door- requires a new header that carries weight from above.
- - Altering the footprint of your house.
- - Installing new electrical wiring.
You May NOT Need a Phoenix Building Permit, if you’re:
- - Putting in hardwood floor.
- - Installing carpeting.
- - Upgrading your counter tops.
- - Paint
- - Minor electrical work, such as replacing an existing electrical outlet.
For more details you can review these links for the Cities of: Phoenix, Tempe, Gilbert, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Scottsdale.
You may need to hire an architect who will not only draw up construction plans for your design that meet your jurisdiction’s building codes, but can also provide design ideas that you may not have even considered. An architect will help you avoid many common mistakes that are made with construction projects. He can submit the plans to the local municipality for you. Fees and timing of building permit approval vary depending on your project scope.
About the Author
Home Remodel Architect Phoenix
Doug Rusk, Architect
DesignLine Architects, LLC
Gilbert, Arizona
www.designlinearchitects.com
Do Phoenix Tenant Improvements Need Building Permits?
If you are planning to update the building for your business, like plumbing, electrical or move bearing walls, your municipalities’ building department requires an Architect to submit Phoenix tenant improvement construction drawings for building permit approval. Not only can DESIGNLine ARCHITECTS provide the design and construction drawings, we will submit them for you and work with the municipality to get them approved as quickly as possible.
We will help you avoid many common mistakes that are made with construction projects. We will also help you to make decisions that will enhance your business by guiding you through the entire remodeling process from concept to completion.
Phoenix Tenant Improvements Means Planning First
Most business owners underestimate the number of decisions they need to make their Phoenix tenant improvement successful. Proper planning helps you avoid the confusion.
- - Start an image file by collecting pictures of spaces and buildings you like.
- - Create a list of the rooms and functions you want accommodated.
- - Identify your goals for project schedule and budget.
Phoenix Tenant Improvement Considerations
Whether consulting with your architect or contractor for ideas and advice, there are a variety of decisions you’ll need to work through. A tenant improvement doesn’t have to mean opening more space; it could mean being more strategic about the space you already have. At DESIGNLine ARCHITECTS we offer an alternative Design/Build approach that will pin down the cost question quickly, so you can make the decision to move forward.
How do I get started?
To set up an appointment contact Doug Rusk at 480-710-3861 or email us at drusk@designlinearchitects.com. tenant improvement process can be an intimidating. DESIGNLine ARCHITECTS will ensure your Phoenix tenant improvement look more attractive and welcoming, while also increasing efficiency and comfort for employees.