FAQ's

A permit expeditor manages the building department process of getting permits approved.  Meets with the building department, and gathers all the required paperwork so the building department can quickly approve the permit.

All building permits.  Only permits issued by the building inspector.

Teaching the CSL class, I review the building codes every week.  Every 2 years I am required to take continuing education classes to maintain my license.  Before every permit, I meet with the local building inspector to review the project and find out if there is anything special that I need to be aware of.

I can refer someone to the class they teach at Peterson or an online class, but I do not teach that yet.  Maybe eventually.  

It varies by project, a simple permit for a roof or something straight forward could be a day or two, a week at most.  More complex permits will take longer.  Technically, if all the documentation is correct, the department has up to 30 days to approve or deny the building permit.

I handle unexpected challenges calmly and with lots of communication.  They happen in construction projects, important to address and get back on track as quickly as possible.

If varied by the size and complexity of the project.  Fees typically start around $500 for basic services and probably average around $2,000 and as high as $15,000.

The Massachusetts State Building Code states that "it shall be unlawful to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a structure; or to change the use or occupancy of a building or structure, or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by this code" without first obtaining a building permit. This includes but is not limited to, new structures, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, basement renovations, dormers, chimneys, wood stoves, decks, roofing, siding, swimming pools, antennae, and sheds. The only exception is an ordinary repair. An ordinary repair does not require a building permit.

Not following the proper format required by the building department, not providing all the necessary paperwork, and zoning issues.

I can assist with variance requests depending on the project.

I’ll know before I get started if a permit will be denied.  It depends on why it will be denied.  Sometimes it's an easy fix, other times it takes more time.  For example, if it's a zoning issue and or requires special variances, then the project can go before the zoning board for approval.  Could take several months depending on the town.  Then the permit will be approved.

Yes

Depends on the client, the town and the project.  

Yes, that is the main service.

Depends on the change order.  It may have no impact on the permit or it may be impactful and require an additional permit.  For example, changing the kitchen design would not impact the permit.  Adding another bathroom may require another permit.  Changing the building footprint may require a whole new process, depending on the town, building size, and lot location.

Yes, usually do.