Unit 1: Planning and Permitting Mr. Todzia

How does a construction project start? First need someone to initiate……could be the homeowner, a developer or investor.

They must first do a viability analysis of the property to see if the idea is worth pursuing.  This is sometimes done by the seller, sometimes done by the buyer- all depends on $$. Questions to investigate:  Is there a building site on the property?  Is there appropriate road access? (Ingress and egress)  Is the piece of land “land locked.”  In which case you would need a Right-of-way or an easement.

 Must do a Percolation test- is the soil capable of infiltrating the waste water from the home? If not, what can be done?  Are there Wetlands? Can they be avoided? Do they need to be crossed?  Is the property the properly Zoned? Do the owners need to meet with the ZBA for anything?

If all the previously mentioned information checks out, they must acquire the land begin the planning phase.

 An Architect must then be Consulted/Hired and a design will be agreed upon.  House plans are sometimes called blueprints, drawings, plans, working drawings.  We will talk in more depth about these drawings tomorrow

 When owner has a site plan and a building plan (architectural drawings) he can proceed to the town hall and meet with the building inspector or local building official to get his plan approved.

When plans are approved, the owner can start looking to hire a builder/contractor/general contractor to build the house.  What is the difference between a General contractor and a subcontractor?  When looking for a builder:  call more than one  have them submit a bid or an estimate  see what they can offer  choose the best value  Licensed and Insured? Why does it matter?

 What is a building permit?  Why are they necessary?  Who can get them?  Do they cost anything?  What is an inspection? Look at town of Haddam Building permit

 Depending on if you choose a General Contractor or if you will GC it yourself, you will have to find Subcontractors to complete the different trades within the project. Architect Land clearing Excavation Concrete Framing Plumbing HVAC Electrical Insulation Drywall Finish Carpenters Painters

When everyone is lined up, the land clearing and site work can begin.