All about permits, drawings and data that will enable accurate estimates of materials required, and show workers and subcontractors what is being built.

Are you planning a remodel, or a major repair or upgrade to your house, designing an irrigations layout, doing deck or fence work, or extensive landscaping work, but not complicated enough to need an architect or engineer? I can help. I can produce detailed accurate dimensioned plans, elevations and sections of even complex layouts. These are of inestimable value in planning any kind of project. While a simple project can be adequately described in words or with a back-of-an-envelope pen.

Many simple home projects need building permits, and these require a surprising number of drawings and details. Usually a site plan, showing the layout and dimensions of the property lines and surrounding properties is required, as well as a vicinity map. Often even the simplest job will require complete and fully dimensioned floor plans drawn to scale. In addition there are many hidden pitfalls in the permit process that can trip up the inexperienced applicant. Conversely some requirements that seems at first to be insurmountable can often be circumvented if you know how the system works.

A property owner can act as owner/contractor and obtain their own permits, saving a great deal of cost. Of course no substantial saving comes for free, and you assume risks and responsibilities by doing it this way, so you should make yourself fully aware of the potential downsides before going ahead. Nonetheless, this is a route successfully taken by homeowners every day. My function is to guide you through the process.

Some jobs which technically require permits can be done "undercover," or without permits. The truth is, though, that all you save is the permit fees. You always run the risk that you might come to someone's attention, and in that case you can usually take care of it by paying the fees and penalties as long as what you have done complies with all the building codes. In other words, working without a permit does not save you on the building work, only on the permit costs, and the financial downside can be substantial. Our strong advice is to bite the financial bullet and do it properly. You will sleep better.