I guess I have a fascination with the building codes; one of my most sacred treasures is in my antique book collection. It is an 1899 Building Inspector’s Hand Book from Kansas City Building Department. Did you know that it cost 50 cents for a building permit if the value of the work was under $1000 in 1899?
Today, $0 to $1000 valuation is $54.00 according to the City of Santa Clarita Schedule of fees and charges as adopted 2007-08. Of course it is still a bargain if you think of the consequences.
Just about everything that is not cosmetic in nature requires a building permit from either the country or city depending upon the jurisdiction where you are living. Adding a room addition, patio cover, or even changing out a water heater all are governed by these local building a safety departments.
To insure that a building inspector checks the work that you are having done by a contractor, you must make sure that you get a building permit. When a contactor pulls the permit for you, the contractor must provide the issuing agency with proof of both a contractor’s license and worker’s compensation insurance. This is to protect you, the building owner. A contractor can exempt him/herself from having worker’s compensation only if he/she does not allow anyone else to work on your project. No Exceptions! A handyman may perform work on your home or building and not have a license, provided the total amount of labor and materials does not exceed $500.00. Not likely with costs as they are today. I certainly do not recommend hiring a handyman to add or move anything electrical or plumbing- related without a city or county permit.
Working with electrical in California requires that every one, even the journeyman worker, be certified by the State. For your utmost protection ask the person on your job for proof of such certification.
Look for the continuation of this article in the next issue of the Magazine of Santa Clarita.
For more information, please call Randal G. Winter Construction, Inc. 661-799-8089.