We are about to have a new HVAC system and some siding and sprayin foam insulation upgrades. I am looking into the City of Austin star rating system for energy efficient homes, and have a meeting with the employee who oversees this certificate program on Tuesday. One of their requirements is the project must be permitted. Will this add a lot of expense and complication to the project? The guy claimed it would not, during our phone conversation. Basically, I will be the general contractor, and we aren't adding square footage to the home.
It should not add that much to the total cost. Now each city is different, so you will need to check with they're building inspections department. A lot of time permit cost is based on a percentage of the total amout of the project. You can pull the permit, but you will have to list your AC man and or electrian on permit. They might have to pull a permit for the work they would be doing.
At the very least, Austin would require a permit on the HVAC installation. Any contractor that would do the job without pulling one would put his license in jeopardy. For the work you have described, I would say permits would cost under $100.00. The program you are talking about may require permits on all work done, in order for you to get proper certification and any rebates/discounts that are available. Inspection of the work will be the biggest hassle as someone would have to be home to greet the inspector. If you can find out who the inspector will be, you should be able to get his phone and pager #s, so you can talk to him directly, to ask for a courtesy call an hour of so before he arrives.
It's not expensive. COA Permit Fees Definitely, get the pager number of the inspector. They are really good about coordinating a time with you.
Accu - also, if a city inspection is required, stipulate to the contractor that final payment will not be made until the inspection passes. I've fliipped a few houses in my day and learned early not to pay before the city gives the OK.
