Are you looking to update your home with an addition or remodeling project? If so, you’ve probably done some research and found several suitable contractors who could do the job. Now, you need to narrow it down to the one you’ll be working with. To do that, here are the top 15 questions you should ask a contractor before hiring them.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
Experience is a good indicator of how skilled a contractor is. With time, they’ll encounter a wider range of projects and better understand how to tackle your own project. That being said, you shouldn’t discount contractors who haven’t been around for long. Instead, follow up with a question on how much experience they have personally with another company and how much experience their staff has. You’ll also want to ask about their experience with the specific service and material you are looking for. If they’ve never built a deck before, perhaps it’s better to go with another contractor.
Are You Licensed for This Type of Work?
Large home improvement projects should not be handled by an unlicensed handyman. He may be able to install a new toilet but shouldn’t be trusted to replace the plumbing for your bathroom renovation. Having a business license alone is not enough. Different cities, counties or states will have their own licensing requirements for specific services and you’ll want to hire a contractor who is licensed for your project. Related to licenses, contractors could also belong to professional organizations so ask about them, too.
Which Types of Insurance Do You Carry?
You want to ensure that the contractor you work with is fully insured in case anything happens on your property. They should have multiple types of insurance as well. Liability insurance will cover any damage they might accidentally do to your home or property during construction. Workman’s comp insurance protects you and the contractor in case someone is injured while working on your project.
Will You Obtain the Permits and Set Up the Inspections Required for This Job?
States and municipalities require different types of permits, depending on the home improvement project you’re building. Navigating the various permits you’ll need can be confusing and an experienced contractor can help. You should ask if they will acquire the necessary permits, and how much experience they have working with your township or municipality.
What is Our Timeline for Completion?
Asking about the timeline for completion will help you plan around the construction, especially if you need to make arrangements for sections of your home you won’t be able to use – like a kitchen or bathroom. After getting the projected timeline, ask how often the contractor finishes on time. If you anticipate delays, you can be better prepared.
What’s Your Typical Payment Schedule?
Before signing any contract, make sure you understand the payment schedule. Depending on the contractor and size of the project, your payment schedule will vary. You’ll likely need to make some type of down payment but you should never work with a contractor who requires 100% upfront. This ensures that the contractor is able to cover some of the initial costs and you don’t pay the full amount unless the job is completed – protection for both parties.
Who Will Be Working On My Job?
Before signing, you should know if the contractor you’re speaking with will be completing the job or if he has a team. If there will be subcontractors, you should know who they are as well. If the person you’re speaking with won’t be on the job, ask how often he’ll stop by to check progress. You can also ask who the on-site project manager is and meet him before the job starts. It’s important to know who you’re hiring to ensure they are trustworthy individuals.
How Do You Communicate with Your Clients?
Find out how the contractor prefers to communicate with you. Is it over the phone, through email, or some other method? This will be important to remain informed every step of the way. You can also ask if you’ll receive regular updates on your project. Receiving a daily update will help you understand when things are running smoothly or when things might be delayed.
What Does a Typical Workday Look Like for Your Crew?
This is a very important question to ask. You should know when people will be at your property, if you are needed, and when there will be loud construction. Importantly, you should ask about the end of the day, too. How will the crew clean up and where will materials be stored overnight? These are all important questions to ask when planning your daily schedule ahead of the project.
Is Your Bid an Estimate or a Fixed Price?
Now we’re getting into the nitty gritty of expenses. See if the bid you’ve received is fixed or will change. There could be additional, unforeseen costs that get added on at the end and you’ll need to know how those costs are settled. When you receive the bid, also ask for an itemized list. This will help you understand how much goes into parts, labor, and other expenses, and could help settle disputes later on. If your project scope is a little hard to nail down, you might agree to sign a time and materials contract that will specify an hourly rate and materials cost.
What Kind of Written Warranty Do You Have?
You should know if the contractor offers a warranty for his work and what the warranty covers. Will the warranty cover defaults in the construction of your addition? How about the materials used in the construction? Sometimes, the materials will come with their own warranty from the manufacturer. You need to be aware of what’s covered and what isn’t, in case of any mishaps.
How Do We Resolve Any Disagreements?
Speaking of mishaps, what happens if there is one or you have a disagreement on some other aspect of the project? Some contracts will have a termination clause where either party can terminate the agreement if certain conditions are met. Others might have an arbitration clause denoting how disputes will be settled. You need to know how the process works, just in case. While asking about this, you could also ask if they’ve been in any lawsuits before. You’ll want to avoid a contractor with a less-than-stellar background, but give them a chance to explain if they have been in a lawsuit – it could’ve been a bad client!
Do You Anticipate Any Challenges Regarding This Project?
For standard jobs like a deck, there might not be too much that can go wrong. Some more complicated or unique problems, however, can pose unique challenges to the contractor. This doesn’t mean that they are a bad contractor, just some things can happen to anyone. It’s best to know what the contractor is anticipating so that you are not shocked if a challenge arises.
Will You Provide a Written Lien Waiver at the End of the Project?
This is a very important question to ask! If a contractor makes improvements to your house, he could have legal standing to levy a lien against your house if you go to sell the property. A lien is a claim or legal right against assets that are typically used as collateral to satisfy a debt. You’ll want to get in writing a waiver of all legal standing in your property to avoid any problems when you eventually sell the house. The contractor, of course, won’t sign until you’ve paid in full but you shouldn’t run into any issues after that point.
Can you provide a list of references I can contact?
Lastly, ask about customer references and/or testimonials. Good contractors will have former customers willing to sing their praises. If they don’t have people you can contact, they should at least have written testimonials from them. If a contractor can’t show evidence of happy customers, that’s a red flag. After you contact their references, you’re ready to make a decision to hire a contractor!
Still Searching for a Contractor?
If you are still searching for a contractor for your home improvement project in southeastern PA, consider E&E Contracting. We have experience in many types of construction, including extensive remodeling and home additions. Contact us today to ask us these questions and more. We’d be happy to help!
As a homeowner looking to improve their home with some type of renovation or remodeling, you need to be aware of the permitting requirements for your construction. States and municipalities have their own regulations on permitting. Often, state regulations set minimum requirements and municipalities can make stricter regulations. Contact your local zoning office to help with permits.
If you need help navigating the permit process with your local zoning office, an experienced local contractor, like E&E Contracting, will understand all the regulations in their area. We operate mostly in southeast Pennsylvania but also travel to Delaware and Maryland for projects. To give you an idea of the type of permits you may need before a project, here are the statewide regulations for common home improvements in Pennsylvania.
Permitting Requirements for New Windows & Doors
You should replace your windows every 15-20 years. Even if it hasn’t reached that point, you might want to replace your windows with a different size or style. Typically, you won’t need a permit if you’re replacing windows without making any structural changes. You’ll need a permit when changing the size of your windows or adding a brand new one.
Doors operate under similar rules of windows. Replacing a door with one of the same size won’t typically require a permit. You can even make small adjustments to the door frame without a permit. Once you are widening your existing door frame or creating a new door, you’re making a structural change. This requires a permit.
Permitting Requirements for Decks & Additions
If you’re looking into adding a deck to your backyard, you need to know the size of the deck you’ll build. You’ll need a permit for any deck that will be 30 inches or higher off the ground at any point. If you’ll be constructing a roof above any part of the deck, you’ll need a permit as well.
If you’re looking to expand your liveable area with an addition, you’ll likely always need a permit because they alter the perimeter of the home. Enclosing a porch or patio and constructing a sunroom are included in this regulation. If your addition is a garage, you may or may not need a permit. Attached garages always need a permit. Detached garages need a permit if they’re above 1,000 square feet for a single family home. Installing pools and hot tubs require permits unless it’s a kiddy pool less than 24 inches deep. Sidewalks, driveways, other flatwork do not need permits unless specified by your municipality.
Permitting Requirements for Interior Remodeling
If you’re looking to remodel your interior without changing anything with your home’s exterior, you may not need a permit. This goes back to the question on structural changes. If you’re tearing down or adding walls, you’ll need a permit. Non-structural changes, like replacing appliances, cabinetry, countertops, or flooring won’t require a permit. One more aspect of your remodel you’ll need to check is utility work. Anything involving electrical, plumbing, or HVAC will require a permit.
Permitting Requirements for New Siding & Roofing
You should replace your siding every 20-40 years. Even if it hasn’t reached that point, you might want to change the type of siding on your house. Whether you’re looking to replace vinyl siding, stucco, brick, or stone veneer, you don’t need a permit in PA. This is, however, a common one for municipalities to regulate, so check with them.
Roofing needs to be replaced around every 15-30 years but it depends on the type of roofing. A total roof replacement will need a permit but minor repairs will not require a permit. Some municipalities consider the installation of solar panels or similar equipment as a structural change and would also need a permit.
Contact an Expert About Municipal Regulations
As you plan your next home improvement project, remember that experienced contractors are here to help. Reach out to us, and we’d be happy to explain permitting for your project. Also, remember that the Pennsylvania regulations we discussed above might be overridden by your municipality. Check with them before starting any home improvement project. Here are tables for additional municipal regulations in Pennsylvania counties where we regularly work.*
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq. ft.
Adopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area exceeding 500 sq. ft.
Adopts IRC Appendix F (Radon Control Methods).
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area exceeding 500 sq. ft.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs and provides exceptions.
Bern Township
Radon mitigation
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq. ft.
Adopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that have a building area of 200 sq. ft. or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that will be provided with any utility service.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Bernville Borough
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that have a building area of 500 sq. ft. or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that will be provided with any utility service.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Bethel Township
Some alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Re-roofing
New or replacement mechanical equipment in existing residential structures
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that have a building area of 500 sq. ft or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that will be provided with any utility service.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Douglass Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that have a building area of 120 sq. ft. or more.
Exeter Township
Radon mitigation
Residential sprinklers
Adopted appendices to the International Fire Code
Adopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)
Adopts Appendices E, F, and G of the International Fire Code 2006, establishes fines and permits fire authorities to set geographic limits for certain hazardous storage uses.
Hamburg Borough
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 300 sq. ft. or more and for those with a lesser building area that are served by a utility.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs and establishes 8 exceptions.
Jefferson Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 500 sq. ft. or more and for those with a lesser building area that are served by a utility.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs and establishes 9 exceptions.
Kutztown Borough
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq. ft.
Adopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)
Requires a building permit for residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area larger than 200 sq. ft., but limits compliance with footer and foundation requirements to structures of this type only when over 400 sq. ft.
Amends UCC by exempting from a permit only the residential work listed in the I-Residential Code
Leesport Borough
Exempts from a building permit all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are less than 200 sq. ft. and that will have no utility service connections.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are greater than 199 square feet and that exceed one story in height.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Maidencreek Township
Requires a building permit for residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 600 sq. ft. or more, and for the same structures with a lesser building area, if they are served by utilities.
Maxatawny Township
5/8″ drywall to separate garage from dwelling, all concrete 3000psi, underground piping 6″ of gravel or sand under and over, Bonfire requires approval from fire chief certified 3rd party.
Mt. Penn Borough
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 400 sq. ft. or more and for those with a lesser building area that are served by a utility.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs and establishes 9 exceptions.
Muhlenberg Township
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures, excluding siding, fascia, gutters and windows
Re-roofing permits required for commercial buildings only
Electrical wiring or service upgrades in existing residential structures
New or replacement mechanical equipment in existing residential structures
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Trade licenses for mechanical and plumbing work
Adopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)Requires a building permit for residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of more than 250 sq. ft.
Oley Township
Exempts from a building permit all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are less than 200 sq. ft. and that will have no utility service connections.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are greater than 199 square feet.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Penn Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that have a building area of 300 sq. ft. or more and those with a smaller building area that have utility service connections.
Richmond Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 200 sq. ft or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of less than 200 sq. ft. and that have a utility connection for the purpose of inspection for the utility or utilities being installed.
The exemptions from a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs meet and continue to be exempt per UCC Act 92 or 2004 that establishes a number of exceptions.
Repeal of Ordinance No. 92
Rockland Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 200 sq. ft or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of less than 200 sq. ft. and that have a utility connection.
Ruscombmanor Township
Exempts from a building permit all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are less than 200 sq. ft. and that will have no utility service connections.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are greater than 199 square feet and that exceed one story in height.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Sinking Spring Borough
Some alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Tilden Township
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq. ft.
Requires building permit for residential utility area of more than 200 sq. ft.
Topton Borough
Amends the UCC’s residential sprinkler system requirements by: prohibiting the addition of antifreeze or any other additives; requiring that systems fully comply with either the requirements of section P2904 of the IRC or the NFPA 13D; mandating that plans for systems complying with NFPA 13D be designed by a fire protection design professional or a NICET certified designer; and, prescribing certain meter box and meter box outlet piping requirements for all sprinkler systems.
Union Township
Requires building permit for residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 200 sq. ft. or more.
Washington Township
Exempts from a building permit all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are less than 200 sq. ft. and that will have no utility service connections.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are greater than 199 square feet.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Wyomissing Borough
Adopted appendices to the International Fire Code
Adopts portions of the International Fire Code not adopted by the UCC regulation, including Chapter 5 and sections 2401 and 2402, subject to the requirements of 35 P.S. §7210.503 (a) (2).
Municipalities with no reported amendments
Alsace Township
Birdsboro Borough
Boyertown Borough
Caernarvon Township
District Township
Fleetwood Borough
Heidelberg Township
Laureldale Borough
Longswamp Township
Lower Heidelberg Township
Lyons Borough
New Morgan Borough
Perry Township
Pike Township
Reading City
Robeson Township
Robesonia Borough
Sinking Spring Borough
St. Lawrence Borough
Tilden Township
Upper Bern Township
Upper Tulpehocken Township
West Reading Borough
Windsor Township
Womelsdorf Borough
Chester County
Birmingham Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area greater than 250 sq. ft.
Caln Township
Adopts Appendices B, C, D, E, F, and G of the International Fire Code 2006.
East Bradford Township
Frost protection, Plain concrete, Foundation drainage, Bearing course
East Caln Township
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structuresRe-roofing (commercial only)Electrical wiring or service upgrades in existing residential structuresNew or replacement mechanical equipment in existing residential structuresNew piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structuresResidential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ftResidential sprinklers (townhomes only)Adopted appendices to the International Fire CodeAdopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)
East Nantmeal Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 200 sq. ft. or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of less than 200 sq. ft. and that have a utility connection.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
East Pikeland Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 200 sq. ft. or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of less than 200 sq. ft. and that have a utility connection.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
East Whiteland Township
Some alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Honey Brook Township
Requires a building permit for residential utility and miscellaneous use structures larger than 499 sq. ft.
Oxford Borough
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that have a building area of 150 sq. ft. or more.
Requires that plans for new residential construction and additions to existing residences be sealed by a licensed architect or engineer.
Spring City Borough
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 400 sq. ft. or more and for those with a lesser building area that are served by a utility.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs and establishes 7 exceptions.
Tredyffrin Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that have a building area of 120 sq. ft. or more.
Uwchlan Township
Radon mitigation
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Some alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Re-roofing
Siding and/or replacement windows
Electrical wiring or service upgrades in existing residential structures
New or replacement mechanical equipment in existing residential structures
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Adopted appendices to the International Fire Code
Adopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)
West Bradford Township
Radon mitigation
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 500 sq. ft. or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations or repairs that increase the habitable area of a residential building.
West Goshen Township
Sprinkler regulations in storage facilities
West Whiteland Township
Requires fire suppressions systems in all group B and M fire areas that exceed 5,000 sq. ft.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area greater than 500 sq. ft.
Willistown Township
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Re-roofing
Electrical wiring or service upgrades in existing residential structures
New or replacement mechanical equipment in existing residential structures
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Municipalities with no reported amendments
Avondale Borough
Charlestown Township
East Brandywine Township
East Fallowfield Township
Easttown Township
Elverson Borough’
Franklin Township
Highland Township
Kennett Township
London Grove Township
Lower Oxford Township
Malvern Borough
New Garden Township
North Coventry
Parkesburg Borough
Penn Township
Phoenixville Borough
Pocopson Township
Schuylkill Township
Thornbury Township
Valley Township
Wallace Township
West Chester Borough
West Grove Borough
West Nantmeal Township
West Pikeland Township
Westtown Township
Delaware County
Aston Township
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Re-roofing
Siding and/or replacement windows
Electrical wiring or service upgrades in existing residential structures
New or replacement mechanical equipment in existing residential structures
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Carbon monoxide detectors
Bethel Township
Requires a building permit for: deck, porch and stoop replacements and enlargements; the construction of residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of more than 200 sq. ft.; the creation of habitable space in a basement; the replacement, repair or enlargement of concrete aprons around swimming pools; and, roof replacements or repairs (except where less than 25% of the roof area is involved).
Brookhaven Borough
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area in excess of 120 sq. ft. and all such structures, whenever they have any utility connections.
Chester Township
Requires that bedrooms have a floor area of not less than 90 sq. ft., and that all other habitable rooms, except for kitchens, shall have a floor area of not less than 70 sq. ft., in all buildings subject to the requirements of the International Residential Code.
Provides for administrative penalties.
Edgmont Township
Some alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Residential sprinklers
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of more than 300 sq. ft, or, if 300 sq. ft. or less and having a utility connection.
Requires a building permit for residential alterations and repairs and establishes 9 exceptions.
Marcus Hook Borough
Requires the installation of sprinkler systems in two- and multi-family residential structures, and commercial, industrial, educational and religious occupancies of one or more stories in height.
Media Borough
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Re-roofing
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Residential sprinklers
Adopted appendices to the International Fire Code
Adopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)
Upper Darby Township
Requires UCC permit for residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 120 sq. ft. or more.
Requires a building permit for residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of less than 120 sq. ft., if they contain utilities.
Requires a UCC permit for residential alterations and repairs, except as excluded in Chapter 1 of the IRC.
Municipalities with no reported amendments
Aldan Borough
Chadds Ford Township
Chester Heights Borough
Clifton Heights Borough
Concord Township
Darby Township
Eddystone Borough
Folcroft Borough
Glenolden Borough
Haverford Township
Lansdowne Borough
Lower Chichester Township
Marple Township
Middletown Township
Millbourne Borough
Nether Providence Township
Newtown Township
Norwood Borough
Prospect Park Borough
Radnor Township
Ridley Township
Rose Valley Borough
Rutledge Borough
Sharon Hill Borough
Springfield Township
Swarthmore Borough
Thornbury Township
Tinicum Township
Trainer Borough
Upper Chichester Township
Upper Providence Township
Yeadon Borough
Lancaster County
East Cocalico Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 400 sq. ft. or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of less than 400 sq. ft., if they have a utility connection.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs and establishes 9 exceptions.
East Earl Township
Adopts Appendices E., F., H., I., J. and K-K13 of the Int. Building Code and Appendices A., B., C., D., F., G., I., K., N., O. and Q of the Int. Residential Code.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of more than 100 sq. ft. or with a lesser area, if served by a utility.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs and specifies thirteen exceptions.
Amends other administrative and enforcement requirements, as allowed by 34 Pa Code §403.102(l).
East Hempfield Township
Radon mitigation
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Electrical wiring or service upgrades in existing residential structures
New or replacement mechanical equipment in existing residential structures
No permit needed to replace FAU’s or Water Heaters in residential buildings unless there is a change fuel source
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 400 sq. ft. or more and for those with a lesser building area that are served by a utility.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs and establishes 9 exceptions.
Adopts Appendix F (Radon Control Methods) of the International Residential Code 2006.
Elizabeth Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 400 sq. ft or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of less than 400 sq. ft. that have a utility connection.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Ephrata Township
Adopts Appendix F (Radon Control Methods) of the International Residential Code.
Manheim Township
Radon mitigation
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Some alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Electrical wiring or service upgrades in existing residential structures
New or replacement mechanical equipment in existing residential structures
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Adopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures exceeding 400 sq. ft. or any sized utility and miscellaneous use structure that is connected to a utility.
Requires a building permit for all residential repairs and alterations, except where excluded by the UCC regulation at 403.62.
Pequea Township
Adopts Appendix F (Radon Control Methods) of the International Residential Code.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 400 sq. ft. or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of less than 400 sq. ft. that have a utility connection.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Requires compliance with the sewer lateral requirements issued by the Suburban Lancaster Sewer Authority in lieu of the requirements found in the International Plumbing Code and the International Residential Code.
West Lampeter Township
Exempts from a building permit all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are less than 400 sq. ft. and that will have no utility service connections.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that will be provided with any utility service.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Municipalities with no reported amendments
Akron Borough
East Drumore Township
East Lampeter Township
Lancaster City
Lancaster Township
Lititz Borough
Manor Township
Mount Joy Borough
Warwick Township
West Hempfield Township
Montgomery County
Abington Township
Re-roofing
Siding and/or replacement windows
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Carbon monoxide detectors
Residential sprinklers
Conshohocken Borough
Requires a building permit for residential utility and miscellaneous use structures in excess of 200 sq. ft.
Reinstitutes a building permit requirement for residential alterations and repairs.
Requires a building permit application to be made for residential emergency repairs within one business day.
Only the first change requires L&I approval.
East Greenville Borough
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 44 exceptions.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a floor area of at least 200 sq. ft.
Zoning permit required for fences and utility buildings, regardless of height or floor area
Green Lane Borough
Restricts the sale of certain pyrotechnics and open burning, and establishes fines for violations of these restrictions.
Limerick Township
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures.
Lower Merion Township
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Re-roofing
Electrical wiring or service upgrades in existing residential structures
New or replacement mechanical equipment in existing residential structures
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Residential sprinklers
Adopted appendices to the International Fire Code
Adopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)
Requires a building permit for residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 200 sq. ft. or more.
Requires a building permit for the alteration and repair of all residential buildings.
Montgomery Township
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Some alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Re-roofing
Requirement in commercial structures for sprinkler systems based on size of structure
Plymouth Township
Establishes installation and inspection requirements for small wind energy, geothermal heating/cooling and photovoltaic systems.
Royersford Borough
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Re-roofing
Siding and/or replacement windows
Electrical wiring or service upgrades in existing residential structures
New or replacement mechanical equipment in existing residential structures
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Residential utility and miscellaneous use structures under 1,000 sq ft
Schwenksville Borough
Requires smoke alarms to be retrofitted in all residential dwellings and all other residential occupancies.
Upper Dublin Township
Establishes additional code requirements for pools, spas and hot tubs, modifies application requirements for various permit applications and requires building permits for: residential utility and misc. use structures with a building area of 120 sq. ft. or more; all uncovered decks; and, all residential alterations and repairs.
Imposes a late fee not to exceed $1,000.00, when plans are submitted after construction has begun.
Makes changes to the UCC appeals board requirements: provides that board members must be township residents and for voting and alternate member status.
Revises provisions relative to use of alternative methods and materials.
Upper Frederick Township
Exempts from a building permit all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are less than 200 sq. ft. and that have no utility service connections.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are 200 square feet or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Upper Hanover Township
Requires the installation of key boxes (for emergency personnel access) in newly constructed commercial and multi-family residential buildings.
Requires the identification of truss systems used in residential subdivisions.
Exempts from a building permit all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are less than 200 sq. ft. and that will have no utility service connections.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are greater than 199 square feet.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Upper Merion Township
Residential sprinklers
Adopted appendices to the International Fire Code
Adopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)
Low exit signs, wall-hung plumbing fixtures, fire resource centers in high-rises, definition of “occupied”
Exempts from a building permit all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are less than 200 sq. ft. and that have no utility service connections.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures that are 200 square feet or more.
Requires a building permit for all residential alterations and repairs, and establishes 9 exceptions.
Upper Providence Township
All alterations, renovations, remodeling, and repairs to existing residential structures
Requires a building permit for residential alterations and repairs per section 105 of the I-Residential Code.
Requires a building permit for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures larger than 200 sq. ft.
I-Fire Code: Amend section F-505 by requiring the identification of truss construction in certain buildings.
Whitpain Township
New piping and/or new plumbing fixtures in existing residential structures
Adopted appendices of UCC codes (other than Fire Code)
Requires a building permit for all signs erected in the Township.
This information is believed to be accurate, but permit applicants should always consult their designated municipal building code official.
Remodeling projects are exciting, but the process of planning and budgeting can be stressful. We have been helping our community build their dream homes for over 20 years, and learned what it takes to make an extensive remodeling project successful. We are excited to share our comprehensive guide to remodeling projects and what you can do to make sure they go as smoothly as possible.
What is your Budget?
The first step in planning for your remodeling project is putting together your budget. If your decision to remodel your home is the result of storm damage, your budget might be influenced by your insurance claims and how much you are rewarded to repair the damage. If you’re remodeling to upgrade your home’s aesthetics and function, it is still important to have a budget and stick to it throughout the process. Our team has assisted dozens of homeowners through this process, and loves putting together a construction plan that fits their style and budget.
What are your Must Haves?
In our experience, each remodeling project comes with some “must-haves.” These are things that you have been envisioning since the project was just an idea, and are non-negotiable. These can include things like a farmhouse sink for a kitchen remodel, a claw foot tub for the bathroom, or things as simple as paint color or hardwood floors.
We love getting these ideas from our customers as early as possible so we can include them in the early mock-ups and prioritize them as we work through the budget.
Prepping the Space
Once you have decided on your budget and designs, it’s time to prep your space for the remodel. Begin by removing all personal items from the space to make way for any demolition that needs to be done to prepare for new construction. If you don’t want these items to intrude on your other living spaces we recommend a temporary storage unit until the work is completed.
Can You Live Without the Space?
At E&E we are committed to maintaining a clean and courteous workplace, but extensive remodeling projects can sometimes prevent homeowners from using essential rooms in their home, especially if it is a kitchen or bathroom remodel. As you are prepping for the remodel it is important to envision life without this space during construction. We have outlined some ways our customers have prepared for their extensive remodeling projects for various rooms of their home below.
Take a Vacation!
If your extensive remodeling project looks like it could leave you without an essential room for an extended period of time we recommend timing the project with a vacation. Usually it is a bummer coming home from vacation, but in this case you come home to your new and improved room or addition!
Our more adventurous clients have even elected to go camping locally with their family to pass the time!
How to Prep for a Kitchen Remodel
Picturing life without a kitchen can be scary, but we have worked together with our past clients to put together a guide to help you through the process.
Freezer Meals The first question you should ask yourself is, “Will I have access to my stove?” If the answer to this question is yes, then we recommend preparing freezer meals before construction starts so you can still enjoy a home cooked meal. Freezer meals are easy to prepare, and just require an oven to reheat.
Dishes Dishes are something that can be difficult to manage without access to your kitchen, especially if your sink is being replaced. Bathroom sinks are often too small to properly wash dishes, so we recommend the bathtub. You can easily place two wash tubs in the tub, one for washing and one for rinsing. Alternatively, you can also invest in paper plates and utensils to cut the dishes out entirely.
Ordering In Many of our customers have added some extra budget on their end to cover the cost of eating out or ordering in while construction is happening in their kitchen.
How to Prep for a Bathroom Remodel
Losing a bathroom in your home can be tough, especially for parents or teenagers who are used to having their own private space. Here are a few tips that will make living without one of your bathrooms easier on you and your family.
Discuss the Transition Early If members of your family are going to be losing their private bathroom it is best to discuss it with them in advance, rather than springing it on them at the last minute.
Put Together A Schedule People take their morning routine seriously, so it can be a good idea to lay out some ground rules to avoid chaotic situations before school or work. Work together with your family before construction begins to prepare a schedule that allows everyone to have sufficient time to get ready in the morning, and for bed at night.
Utilize other Rooms in the House As you get ready in the morning or prepare for bed at night you can utilize other areas of your home to avoid traffic jams in the bathroom. A desk can be transformed into a makeup station, nightstands can temporarily house contacts, and the powder room can be used for shaving and teeth brushing.
What if Your Only Full Bath is being Renovated? If you only have one full bath and your extensive remodeling project renders this room unusable, we recommend speaking with family members or friends about using their shower. A powder room is sufficient for brushing your teeth, applying makeup and washing your face in the morning, but you obviously can’t shower or bathe without a shower or bath! You can also shower at the gym, or at your office if they have the facilities.
At E&E we work with our clients every step of the remodeling process to ensure their needs are met and they are comfortable throughout the project. We clean up at the end of each day and work very hard to cause as little disruption to our clients’ lives as possible. If you are considering an extensive remodeling project at your home, contact us today for a complimentary quote!
Are you living in an older house and looking to bring your home into the 21st century? There’s no need to build a new house if you’re just looking for a new look. You can upgrade your older house with an exterior renovation to modernize your home. Here are the top 8 renovation ideas that will give you a modern look.
1. Put a Fresh Coat of Paint on Your Siding or Trim
A simple way to breathe new life into your home is a simple coat of paint on your siding. Even if your current paint is in good condition, simply updating an outdated color scheme is a fantastic way to modernize your home. You’re not limited to painting your siding, too. You could repaint your trim with a nice accent color to make your home pop.
Working with a professional painter will ensure that your home is painted properly and safely with the right equipment and materials. If you have the experience and tools to paint your house yourself, be sure to buy a quality exterior paint, as interior paints will not work.
2. Replace Your Old Shingles
Your roof is another place to look when deciding to modernize your home. The shingles on your roof last anywhere from 12 to 30 years, depending on the type. Your roof will get damaged over the decades and those weathered down shingles will fall out of style, too, making this renovation a win-win.
Roofing contractors in your area will have a variety of modern roofing materials to choose from. We at E&E contracting install asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, standing seam, or engineered slate.
3. Add Stone Veneer
An excellent option to modernize your home’s siding, aside from fresh paint, is stone veneer. Stone veneer is a decorative stone siding not meant to bear weight but will replace your typical vinyl siding or stucco. This decorative stone can replace the whole side of your house or just a section, like your entrance, to give a nice accent.
There are two types of stone veneer to pick for your home, natural stone and engineered stone. Natural stone comes from a quarry, has natural color that doesn’t fade, and is extremely durable. They do come at a higher price, however. The inexpensive engineered stone is made from aggregate and cement, giving you a consistent, easy-to-maintain look. They come in a variety of colors to match your style.
4. Replace Windows and Shutters
Replacing your windows is an excellent choice to upgrade the look of your home and they should be replaced every 15-30 years, anyway. You can take this time to enlarge your windows, letting in more light and updating the look of your exterior. Another option is to update your windows’ crown molding to a more modern look.
Related to your windows, your shutters also strongly impact the look of your home. Most homes are built with generic, unattractive shutters which are fixed and non-functional. Replace them with modern, functional shutters and it’ll look like a whole new house! You can even try going with a bold color to really make your home stand out.
5. Upgrade your driveway or walkway
You might not think to look down, but your driveway and walkway really do impact the overall look of your home. You could look to simply expand your existing driveway to include another parking spot or basketball court. You could replace the generic asphalt or concrete with pavers, brickwork, or a stamped concrete to give your walkway or driveway a unique, modern look. You can also take this time to build walkways to new parts of your property, like your garden, pool, or detached garage.
6. Add Exterior Lighting
With all the work you do updating and upkeeping your home, you’ll want people to see it at all times of the day. Investing in some modern exterior lighting helps to upgrade the look of your home and make it visible at night. You’ll also be helping guests navigate your property at night. You can simply replace your outdated fixtures with new ones or add more lights to new areas, such as entryways, patios, garage doors, or lining your driveway and paths.
7. Replace Your Garage Door
Your garage door is another area that can easily become outdated over the decades, and should be replaced about every 30 years, anyway. Consider replacing your generic garage door with a modern, decorative door, like a carriage style or other contemporary style. Garage doors are yet another place to add a pop of color, too!
8. Replace Your Front Door
Your front door gives your house so much character; consider upgrading your door to give that character a much needed face lift. Your new door can come in a variety of styles and materials, from wood to steel, aluminum, or fiberglass. Frosted glass windows can let in light while maintaining privacy. You could even expand your existing door frame to include a sidelight or two, allowing you to see who’s ringing the doorbell before answering.
If you’re looking for extensive remodeling, contact an experienced contractor to assist in your decision process. We’ll help you navigate the various options available to modernize your home. Contact E&E Contracting today.
On many of our recent projects our customers have been interested in learning more about stone veneer and natural stone as a siding option, and many of them have chosen to use these materials as an accent to other siding materials. Today we are going to provide some information on natural stone and stone veneer, and how to successfully use them to add a unique touch to your home.
Stone Veneer Siding
Engineered stone veneer is molded from carefully selected stone taken from unique geographic areas and cast to accurately imitate the look and feel. Once the veneers are molded and cast they are carefully colorized using raw pigments and oxides, making each stone unique and true to natural stone. Stone veneer is typically cheaper to install since each stone has a flat back.
Natural Stone Siding
Home Builders have been using natural stone siding for hundreds of years and we still love it as an option today. Stone veneer siding has come a long way in recent years, but natural stone is still the only way to get a truly authentic look. It is also extremely durable and the color won’t fade over time.
Adding natural or stone veneer as an accent to the home has become an increasingly popular option, but where on the home should this accent be placed? Let’s take a look at some of our favorite locations for a stone accent.
Using Stone Siding as an Accent
Adding natural or stone veneer as an accent to the home has become an increasingly popular option, but where on the home should this accent be placed? Let’s take a look at some of our favorite locations for a stone accent.
Entryway
Using stone siding to frame out an entryway is a great way to welcome visitors into your home. We love pairing stone entryways with upgraded doors and trim to bring in a color pop that accents the natural look of stone.
Chimney
Stone chimneys may seem like an obvious choice, but many homes in the last 30 years have been built with stucco chimneys. These stucco chimneys inevitably wear out, and many of our customers are choosing to go with natural stone or stone veneer siding to replace the stucco.
Two-Tone Siding
We recently completed a project that used both vinyl and stone veneer siding on the entire home and loved the results. This homeowner also decided on a standing seam metal roof overhang to separate and perfectly accent both materials.
Pairing Stone and Siding Colors
Whether you are using stone for a remodel or a new home build it is important to choose siding, shutter, door, and window colors that pair well with the natural look of stone. Let’s discuss a few of our favorite color palettes to match with your engineered or natural stone siding.
White Siding with Stone
Pairing white siding with stone is a very popular choice, especially when paired with black doors, windows, and shutters. Both white and black will work with almost any colored stone, and the black doors and windows provide a beautiful contrast with the lighter stone and siding colors.
Bright Colors
Bright colors and stone aren’t something that is right for everyone, but it can add a contrast and pop to your home’s color palette that will make it stand out in the neighborhood. The key to this color palette is less is more. We love introducing creative colors to the door of the home and using more traditional colors for the siding and windows.
Pairing Stone with a Warm Color Palette
Pairing a warm siding color with stone is a great way to make your home standout without getting too crazy. Warm colors can complement the natural look of stone and add a subtle contrast to your home’s color palette. Warm colors can include orange, brown, tan, and red. We also love pairing the color of natural wood with stone, which feeds into the natural feeling of stone while tastefully accenting the colors.
Have you decided that you want to incorporate stone veneer or natural stone into your next home improvement project? Contact us today for a free estimate!
