As a DIY homeowner I've pulled many permits with EASE!!! I've done one sheet plans pencil to paper and got them approved for foundations. One contractor gave me a $50,000 estimate to take out old foundation build anew. I did it myself and added a bathroom all for under $5000!!! Not a big deal!!! Thousands of video's showing DIY how to get things done. Construction is not ROCKET SCIENCE!! Pulling plans is no big deal the City will help you through the process.
We service the South Bay & West Los Angeles areas. Most cities are easy to deal with ...the Los Angeles Dept of Building & Safety (LADBS) offers world-class service 👌
reseller7 I'm in the same boat...50000 quote for a new foundation...I can do the work myself and pay for the materials out of pocket. I just need to figure out how to do these damn permits!!!!
My experience has been substantially different. I downloaded a free CAD, made my own drawings, had them printed for few dollars at Kinko's, and the city has always been extremely helpful. I have to admit my work is flexible, so I can take a couple hours off, go down to the city/do groceries/buy materials and finish work in the evening.
Thanks for sharing - some people just don't have the luxury of having a flexible schedule, or even the time to 'do it themselves', they'd rather let a professional handle it 🤔
@@Baycitiesconstruction absolutely I agree. For a recent project that I considered above my skills I in fact hired an architect to handle the permit process and do the back and forth with the structural engineer. It involved fire rating of a steel structure etc However for a simple home addition or similar it's much easier 🤣🤣
I pulled 4 permits, once which had a engineer involved and the rest were drafted by myself. All we're approved. It you're patient you'll save thousands.
I keep trying to find videos that will help prepare me to get my own permits, and all the videos are "You should hire us, we know how to do it and you don't". They're not wrong - if they never put any info in their videos - it makes it a bit hard to prepare.
That goes for y ou and me both Danielle. Seems like the beaurocrats and the insiders are trying to scare us off. All the more reason to forge ahead in my mind. Usually when information isn't available there is money to be made. He babbles about how you might have to go to the city 2-3 times but guess what? Only the first few times you try! Eventually you'll get the hang of it and I bet its gravy.
Guys relax relax ...this video is intended for homeowners with large & complex projects (like additions & new construction) that require "plan check", certain permits (like painting/fence) are easier to obtain and are easy enough for DIYers to do as "owner builder"
There is nothing scary about visiting Planning and Building. I am an LA area residential designer aka "Draftsman" and a licensed general contractor in the industry for over 30 years. I this video we are past the planning department stage, with the construction set of plans in hand. At this point, I simply hand the "Building Department Clerk" the plans, fill out the permit application and pay the fees. On a very small project such a deck a "Plan Checker" may do an "over the counter review" otherwise into the pile of plans. Two weeks later you get a notification to pick up the plans for corrections or approval. I can count on one hand how many plan corrections I could do over the counter as the designer and zero as a contractor. As for a General Contractor getting your plans through faster, "BS", expediting "rush plan check" are reserved for very large change order projects and cost from 10-20 thousand dollars. PS if the owner wants to hire there own sub-trades the contractor should not pull the permit.
That's cool - maybe you should make a video about your experiences at Building & Safety depts, heck might as well launch your own YT channel too! We would definitely subscribe!
I did my research and Drew up my own plans. Went to the building department got the permit that day. I began construction and I built my own house. Yes it's a lot of work, but it can be done if you so desire to do the work
He speaks the truth. A contractor the insists on the homeowner apply for permits is a contractor you don't want to work with. As a contractor, most of us don't deliver the permit application package to the city until we are fairly certain we have everything and there's a reasonably good change the application will be approved the first time. We all hate going the the permits office so we try do do it as little as possible.
Immediate subscriber this was such amazing information! I’m 37 years old but my mother just retired and I’m trying to convince her to build her house. I absolutely love architecture and construction work and admire the profession but there’s so many working parts to this. Thank you for giving us insight!
I see alot of people on here acting like its no big deal, one fellow claims he did his whole new bath for 5K. lol. Hmmmm, 5k? I highly doubt that and here's why, lets look at JUST the typical items in a bathroom, Exhaust fan, whisper quiet with Humidity sensor, say 4 can lights, one over vanity light surface mount, one or two outlets and their 12G wiring, the breaker at the panel, The angle stops for the toilet and the sink, the supply lines for those, the faucet, the sink, the countertop, the vanity, the toilet, the tub, the shower/tub valve and the trim kit, the drain kit, The copper for those fixtures, the ABS for those drains, The wall tile, the floor tile, the shower pan tile and all of that grout, the termination pieces or schluter for the tile, a shampoo box, the shower glass or tub over glass, the baseboard, the sheetrock and texture mud, The water proofing behind the tile, The primer and paint, The accessories like TP holder, towel bars, robe hooks, toilet seat, vanity mirror.......Im not sure where THIS person lives but these items add up in a big hurry and thats not INCLUDING any labor to do all the work, AND the likely hood of you having to buy certain tools that you'll probably use once. Im just not into giving people the false hope.
$5,000 isn't what it used to be - with today's material prices (and shortages / supply chain issues) you're looking at roughly $7,500 in materials alone. Not accounting for labor, your time, portable potty rental, tool rentals, etc.
Hey Alex, I’m a commercial electrician (not licensed where I live, and want to do the electrical work for an AG pool. I already submitted my drawing and cut sheet with the permit application and it was approved. We put my wife’s name under homeowner because she was listed on all the other permits. Now the inspector is saying I can’t do the work. I’ve lived in this house for seven years and am obviously married to my wife who is on the application. I’m not on the deed. Can he really tell me I’m not the homeowner when we split all the bills or is he being unreasonable?
Hmm I'm not sure if I can be of any help, but I would suggest to make an earnest effort to satisfy the inspectors request. Have her be at all the inspections with you, or show them a marriage certificate if you can , and that should shut them up... but if you are being treated unfairly by a city employee and they are being unreasonable you can always present your grievance with the head of the department, mayor, or councilman. Best of luck!
The sad truth is no ones going to give you the straight answer. Cause it’s not that simple. Depending on the job and the home owner’s construction knowledge. It can be as easy as emailing the building and safety and telling them what your trying to do. Sometimes it’s less stress if you have the money to spend and just let the contractors do it.
I just subscribed, I purchased a small lot on common fence blvd, Portsmouth RI in a flood zone. What is the process about finding designers, structure engineer, civil engineer, submitting approval from CRMC… I am confused! Can you help! Thank you
Hi Maria - building along the water is pricey. But a good place to start is by contacting SEARI (Structural Engineers Association of Rhode Island) and find a firm that specializes in residential construction, they can also refer you to an architect that can help you through the process with CRMC.
What about removing and replacing new roof if i get the permit my self what do i need to know before going but my son in law will help with the roof since he has Experience
Hi Gabby 🏠 Re-roofs aren't too hard, you (or your son-in law) can obtain permits over the counter. Just make sure check local requirements (some municipalities in SoCal now require "Cool Roof" shingles) Best of luck! 👍
Hello Seve - thanks for submitting a comment on our video. You'll want to check out our other video where we talk about Auxillary Dwelling Units (ADU's). The housing bill that was passed in California last year makes it easier to legitimize a previously illegally-converted garage. Watch our video here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ottmff-4Fnk.html Please make sure the seller is able to obtain a certificate of occupancy issued for the structure that is already built, after the sale it will be your responsibility.
Nice video! Im just wondering for home buyers who are looking to buy a home and lets say the seller did not get permits for tearing down a wall between the dining and kitchen. How will you verify? Do the city have blueprints where you can compare?
Hello Marlo, this is something you want to resolve before you close escrow. Contact the local Dept of Building & Safety, they will be able to confirm if a permit(s) was issued for the project. Best of luck with your project.
So this guy is assuming homeowners know nothing and don't know how to read or ask questions. Granted, A LOT of people aren't going to be able to manage a project like a major renovation or addition, but there are still people out there with sense.
Hello 👋 Some people just don't want to deal with it, they'd rather hire a professional to 'take care of it'. While applying for permits certainly isn't 'rocket science', it can certainly be a rigmarole that they'd rather not deal with. 🤷♂️
Sounds like he’s pushing his business instead of the DIY’er. Garbage info. It’s not that hard. A pro is only a pro because of the experience. At one point in the “pro’s” career they had zero experience too.
Steve 📷 would you trust an amateur to take pictures of your wedding? or the birth of your child? A homeowner or DYI'er can "probably" handle simple things like painting and installing flooring, but there are some things that are better left to professionals wouldn't you agree? I would not advise ANYBODY to get permits for a project as an "owner builder" ever, it's just not wise 🙅♂️
Bay Cities Construction I respectfully agree to disagree. There are some people who take excellent photos and have zero schooling or credentials on photography. There are also DIY’ers who are knowledgeable enough to do this themselves. I always look at videos from the content creator and see what the “goal” is. Simply put, IMHO, your goal is to promote your business, and your view is stating it’s best to hire a pro and let them do it. For some people, this is fine. For others, it’s also fine to get permits themselves. Some “Pro’s” are merely amateurs with a contractor license. Same can be said about photographers!
Hiring experienced professionals is always the right choice 🤔 or what's the point of having engineers, architects, attorneys, pilots, medical doctors, or nurses if everybody can "do it yourself". Again - small things like flooring & painting are okay to DIY, but large & complex projects are best left to the professionals 👷
Guys you can pull your own permits without headaches. Just go ask all questions and all paperwork and just fill those in. They normally highlight everything for you when you tell them it’s your first time. I just did that and it took one day to get my permits. Don’t listen to this guys. He makes it sound impossible 😂😂😂😂😂 it’s just too funny now that I went through this process. Anyone can do it.
Could you pull your own permit for something easy like a 'panel upgrade' or "no change bathroom remodel"? SURE...but should you pull your own permits for 'New Construction' or big remodel where you need to submit a full set of plans? NAH.
@@Baycitiesconstruction yes I get a New Construction Permit. Did I go there more than one time? Yes but I chose to. I was told that I can send the paperwork through email but I don’t like to wait for answers so I chose to go there so that if I had a question it would be answered on the spot. I took about 3 trips to the county. Once all paperwork was in order they issued the permit that same day. It’s not rocket science. It’s filling out an application and if you don’t understand something you ask them and they tell you exactly what you need. After I got my permit I sat down with one of the managers for about 30 min and he explained the entire process step by step of what to expect and when to call for inspections and all that. You just got to ask and they’ll be more than happy to help.
@@Baycitiesconstruction That's the point. Homeowners looking for information on the permit process don't want to understand it. Being told "don't bother, pay me instead" isn't helpful.
This video does come off a little douchy. but there are some good points too. One thing I think he missed for the DIYer with crazy Visio skills and a magic tap measure is: extending permits when the project comes to crawl for one reason or another.
Alex thanks for the video very imformative, excuseme i have 10 acres of land in lancaster california, ll is emty land, in paved st and electricity post in front of my property please any one know what do I need to do to ask to install electricity on that on this emty land, I dont want to pay a big amount of money, what do I need to say to get electricity on the land?
it depends on what you want to accomplish. Do you want to be able to charge/power small electronics? You can buy standalone solar panel systems on amazon or harbor freight (for a couple hundred bucks). Do you want to illuminate your land at night? You can get some solar powered lights on amazon that automatically turn on at night (less than hundred bucks per light). Or do you need to power heavy machinery and equipment? In that case you'll need to install an underground 'pedestal meter' (similar to the electrical meters at RV parks) with a few outlets, you'll need a licensed electrician to get this installed and then 'electrified' by SoCal Edison....if this is what you need, get ready to spend a few thousand bucks + monthly electrical bill.
🚧 Anytime you are working on siding/facade you'll need permits - especially if the structure is 2-story or taller because you'll need scaffolding. @JamesHardieBP makes high quality products, and their 'HardiePlank' siding is very popular. Any licensed contractor should be able to help with your project.
Just out of curiosity, where did that silly expression "pull a permit", come from? How do you pull a permit? Do they give you a rope at the building department with a piece of paper attached and you pull on that and then go "Oh, look -it's a permit!"
According to 'This Old House': "Pulling a permit simply means informing the local building department of your upcoming project and sometimes arranging for them to inspect the work to make sure it's done to code. The phrase “pulling a permit” is simply slang for filing the permit application paperwork"
What if you want to do a prefab main single family dwelling in LA County? Is it as simple as making sure the prefab modules are approved? And the contractor would help w/foundation, hookups and interior upgrades?
Hey friend, you might know about, I live in FL not in CA, but there might be similarities. I want to install solar panels in my roof. I know I can do that myself (although I am not a licensed electrician, I know the fundamentals, I'm familiar with the building code, plus I can do my own research) and save A LOT, given that companies that do that full install are charging 20K or more... I talked to the Pinellas County over here, and they told me that I need structural and electrical plans. Do you know if I could go to a particular kind of contractor or engineer and ask them for the structural and electrical plans for that solar panel installation, then take it from there myself? What kind of business I should ask these plans for? A general contractor, a construction company, an electrical company? Please advice, I really want to install my panels, but just want to pay for materials and do all the work myself. I believe is too much to pay $20K an pay them off during 15+ years when doing it myself I can pay them off in 3+ years.
Hello - thank you commenting on our video. When it comes to solar panels you definitely want to let the professionals handle it. Roofing/Solar Panel companies will be able to provide all the services you need including all plans, and installation.
Hi Kayte! Thanks for the comment - but sorry to hear about your situation. Step 1 - You'll want to see the agreement/contract that you signed with this company and make sure that pulling permits is mentioned, they'll need to fulfill all the services they promised on the agreement before you pay any money you might still owe them. Step 2 - If all else fails, you'll want to reach out to the Building & Safety Dept at your city/township/county to make sure that your plans were approved, this will allow you to pull plans yourself.
Bay Cities Construction we assume this was done so that the contractor could skip out before the job was finished by the subcontractors in-fact, yesterday we received notice that the contractor has filed a lien on our home. 🥺
Easy for you to say because these contractors always charge u an arm and a leg. I can’t walk around with one leg. Not to mention how crappy of a job they do because time is money to them. I would rather do myself.
I built my own house.city building department and inspectors very helpful.....permits is very easy and the inspector told me we need you build your house safely..... if you know how let do it yourself the right way with city codes and save money $$$$
Most municipalities will let you do it without permits, but if you have a large commercial or multifamily building, you'll want to check with your local building & safety dept.
20 years ago in a HOA, a lady decided to paint the trim on her house. The HOA said they'd fine her because she didn't use an "approved" color, so she had the painters come back and paint it white, which WAS approved, except the main color of her house was white causing more grief with HOA.
Hi Ken thanks for watching our video - got any questions we can help answer? Make sure to click on that subscribe button and click the bell so you get notified whenever we post new videos!
"Time & Patience" is key, especially with large and complex projects like the ones we handle - small municipalities often make the process needlessly laborious, but LADBS makes the whole process seamless! Kudos to them!
Hello Luis, you can apply for a permit as an "owner builder" which means you are completely responsible and liable for the project - this is okay for small projects like pergolas or some paving work, but we do not recommend this for large & complex projects like removing walls or additions. You can learn more at www.baycitiesconstruction.com
Hi Luis - thank you for watching our video. Pergolas can be easy to build, but we suggest contacting your local building & safety dept. to check if you'll need a permit (some municipalities require permits for structures larger than 100 sq ft). Make sure you like and subscribe to our channel so you never miss a video!
Ok I’m sealcoating parking lots & a friend is pulling all my permits but my company is under his license just until I get my license that I’d Will I be OK
Dang thats outside of our area of expertise - wouldn't be able to answer that. We'd suggest reaching out to the CSLB for any specific questions. Best of luck!
Could be. Lot's of bureaucracy in some cities, even for simple things like a bathroom remodel. Ironically, the city of Los Angeles makes the entire permit/plan-chek process very easy for contractors (it's the smaller cities that are difficult to deal with).
Would it surprise you if I told you that I've been in business for over 20 years, and have worked on more than 400+ remodels & home additions? If I was a crook I wouldn't have made it this long #DontHateAppreciate
