With a building license, you can improve and renovate a property. This is essential to make it more attractive when renting it in a tourist destination such as Florida. Or, if you live there, that allows you to enjoy a higher quality of life.
When remodeling a property, there are different alternatives, which you must analyze to make a wise decision. In addition, it is essential to know the rules that regulate this activity, to carry it out without problems.
Types of remodels within a property
Not all owners apply for a building license for the same reasons. There are several types of remodeling that can be faced in a building. These are the main ones (Homify, 2018):
Changes in decoration
In this case, the original structure of the property is not altered. Only some aspects of the decoration are modified to make the interior look renewed, modern and attractive. For example: painting or wallpapering, renovation of floors, installation of lamps or change of furniture and decorative objects.
Adding environments
This is one of the main reasons to apply for a building license. Many homeowners decide to incorporate a bathroom for visitors or a new room to expand the available covered meters. Sometimes part of the garden or front is used; Or, if construction permits, a new floor is built.
Structural modifications
They are those that aim to refunctionalize spaces in disuse or that could be better used. It also allows to increase the convenience and comfort in different environments. For example: add new windows, remodel an abandoned balcony, install a security column or unify two environments by knocking down a wall.
Restoration
It is about fixing or rehabilitating spaces of a house to extend its useful life, or repair possible damage. It includes the replacement of masonry, plastering of walls and sealing of sectors with humidity, among other possibilities.
These remodels can significantly increase the valuation of your property. However, to carry them out, you must have a state license. It is a permit from local authorities to make changes to housing, which ensures compliance with basic safety standards.
Compulsory Building Licenses in Florida
If you have a dwelling and want to make additional modifications or constructions, you must apply for a license. These are the most common building licenses in Florida:
- New construction: A new construction permit must be obtained, which can be residential (for a family home with up to two dwellings) or for apartments and condominiums (for single-family homes of three units or more). The permit fee starts at US $ 85, depending on the budget of the building. In addition to the construction license, the certificate of occupancy must be processed at the end of the work. This guarantees that the house meets all the conditions to be inhabited, and has a cost of US $ 150.
- Large renovations: there is a special building permit for alterations to already built homes. For example: swimming pools, windows, interior modifications, facades, porches and doors. The permit fee for these accessory renovations starts at $60 each.
- Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Work: You will need the mechanical permit under the Florida Mechanical Code and the electrical permit under the National Electrical Code. The plumbing permit must be added according to the Florida Plumbing Code. Each has a base fee of US $125. In each case, a specialized contractor must certify the condition of the electrical, mechanical, and piping systems. This certificate must be delivered at the time of the final inspection of the work.
Step by step to process a building license
The different types of licences are processed in the same way, via the Internet. Keep in mind that obtaining a building license can take between three and eight weeks at least (Diario Las Américas, 2022). Follow these steps and make sure you meet the requirements:
- On the miamigov.com website, click on the “Get/ Manage a permit” tab.
- Create a user account with your email and password. This will allow you to open a file to start your process.
- Enter the “iBuild Portal” section with your details.
- In the “ePlan/ Project Dox” box, provide information about the construction or remodeling you want to perform.
- Expect a response about authorization in your email box.
- Pay the established fees to start the work.
A building license can be the first step in increasing the value of your investments. Keep in mind the mandatory requirements for your project and develop it to enjoy new benefits in the future. Remodeling, extensions and improvements can give your properties a plus. Whether for rent, permanent residence or resale.
References
City of Kissimmee. 2022. Building permits.
Diario Las Américas. 2022. Constructions without permission? Know the consequences.
Homify. 2018. Remodeling and restoration of houses: meaning and differences.
Osceola County. 2022. Building permit fees.
