Construction permits?

[laptoppop]

I'm about to be able to have my own space for recording. I'll probably modify a couple of walls, and put up a couple of new ones. How many folks get permits before they do this kind of work? Its going to be a small home studio - not a commercial enterprise.

-lee-

[c7sus]

Is it your space? Is it insured? Do you want to be able to insure it later?

If the answer to any of those questions is YES

Then you need to get proper permits.

Permits are cheap and they really cover your ass later. If you wire the place and it burns down with no permits or inspections then you just bought the whole thing--- insured or not! First question you will be asked is for the permits for the improvements done.

[Track Rat]

That's all true but I built my room, electrical work and all and I didn't pull any permits.

[Michael Jones]

C7sus is right. Permits are cheap, easy to get, and cover your ass. I can't understand why anyone would build without one. I mean if your just modifying an existing room, inside of an already built house - I doubt I'd go to the trouble too - that's just like a simple remodel.
But if I were going to build new, or modify a garage, or do ANYTHING electrical, I can't understand why you wouldn't want to get one.

[laptoppop]

I *want* to get one - but in my case, I may not be *able* to get one. I plan on building everything to code (and better), but I would not be able to park my car in the garage if I convert it to a studio. This would not be allowed by the county where I am -- they insist on garage space being available for parking. My garage is already full of stuff and we park in the driveway -- but that's legal.

Darn it, the comment about insurance is a very very very good point. I have an alternative space that would not be anywhere near as good acoustically - but could be legally permitted.

-lee-

[laptoppop]

Originally posted by Michael Jones
I mean if your just modifying an existing room, inside of an already built house - I doubt I'd go to the trouble too - that's just like a simple remodel.

"Simple remodel" -- I take it you are referring to hanging some fire retardent acoustic treatments to the walls, for example. My other choice would involve moving an interior wall - so it wouldn't be totally simple -- and I'd go ahead and pull a permit, just for peace of mind.

-lee-

[Michael Jones]

Originally posted by laptoppop
"Simple remodel" -- I take it you are referring to hanging some fire retardent acoustic treatments to the walls, for example. My other choice would involve moving an interior wall - so it wouldn't be totally simple -- and I'd go ahead and pull a permit, just for peace of mind.

-lee-

Yeah, a simple remodel, to me, would mean no structural changes.