As a general rule, a building permit is required whenever structural work is involved or when the basic living area of a home is to be changed. In many cases, separate permits for plumbing, heating and electrical work may be required.

The contractor should obtain the necessary building permits. This should be spelled out in your contract. Be suspicious of any contractor who asks you to obtain any permits in your name. That’s his job. It could mean that he is unlicensed or in trouble with local building inspectors for repeated code violations. Be suspicious of any contractor who says a permit is not necessary or will cost too much. It could mean that the contractor does substandard work or cuts corners.

Your local (city or county) inspection department can tell you whether a permit is required for the work to be done. If it is required, make sure the contractor shows you the permit before you allow work to begin.

Your local inspection department which issues the permit for your work will inspect the work when it is completed to make sure it complies with the building codes and regulations. Depending on the type of work done, there may be inspections while the work is in progress. Your contractor is responsible for arranging for these inspections. You should, if at all possible, be present when inspections are made, ask questions, and make frequent inspections yourself.

Remember that building codes only set minimum safety standards for work done. They do not protect you against poor quality work, and inspections are not made to determine work quality.