You've done it. You did all your research, you know what style and size you want to build your barndominium and you are ready to hit the ground running. But wait! It isn't always that simple. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the questions swirling around in your head - who do I even need to talk to? What permits do you need? How do you go about getting them? What the heck is a permit?
I know that the process of permitting and
construction can be VERY challenging. I've been working in the residential construction industry for nearly a decade, beginning in the permitting department and now focusing on sales and marketing. I understand that navigating the construction process can be challenging, especially if you've never dealt with it before. That's why I'm here to provide as much advice and tips as I can to help make your vision a reality.
Are you ready to get started? Let's do this!
What Is A Building Permit?
A building permit is essentially a permission slip from your local government to start construction on a new building or make changes to an existing one. These permits are usually required for major projects like new homes, commercial buildings, and major renovations.
The whole point of getting a building permit is to make sure your building project follows local codes and regulations, which are in place to keep the structure safe and stable.
What Is Typically Required To Obtain A Building Permit?
In South Carolina, building permits are required for any construction or renovation project that exceeds a certain value or scope. You have to obtain a permit to build a new house, but you don't necessarily have to get a permit to build a small shed. It all depends on size, usage, zoning, etc. Like I said it can be challenging.
It's important to start the permit process as early as possible, as it can take several weeks or even months to complete. It's also a good idea to work with a contractor or designer who is familiar with the local building codes and regulations. They can help ensure that your plans meet all the necessary requirements and streamline the permit process.
Depending on your jurisdiction in South Carolina to obtain a building permit, you will need to submit plans and other required documents to your local building department. Not sure how to find your local build department? Go to a search engine, such as Google, and type in your city or town followed by "building department" or "building permits".
In general, municipalities are very similar in what they require for a building permit. Here in South Carolina most municipalities require the following:
Building permit application
Architectural and engineering building plans
Site plan - a site plan is just a fancy diagram that shows where everything is going to go on your property - new construction, existing structures, property lines, you name it. It's basically a bird's eye view of the layout.
Recorded plat of property - you can typically obtain this from your Registrar of Deeds.
Manual J - A Manual J is a type of calculation used to figure out how much heating and cooling a building will need. It takes into account things like the size of the building, the climate, and the insulation to give an accurate picture of what kind of HVAC system you'll need to keep the place comfortable. It's a pretty technical process, but basically it helps make sure you don't end up with a system that's too big or too small for your needs.
ResCheck - It's a report that shows whether your home's design meets the energy efficiency standards set by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). You will typically obtain this from your plans architect.
Septic tank permit (if applicable)
Getting building permits and making sure you're following all the necessary regulations may not be the most exciting part of building a barndominium, but trust me - it is important! I know it can seem like a hassle, but it's a necessary step in the process to make sure everything is done right. Plus, it can save you headaches and potential issues down the road. So don't skip out on permitting your new barndominium - it's worth the effort to make sure your building is built safely.
I absolutely love chatting about everything DIY and home improvement, so come say hi to me on Instagram and Facebook or leave a comment below.
Remember... Don't Be Afraid of a Little DIY: I believe that you can turn your house into a beautiful home, all you need to do is get your hands dirty one project at a time.
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