I am building a 28' x 32' garage and just had all the site work completed here in Maine. From what I understand, I need to provide my town office with an application and drawings of my building plans and measurements of all my setbacks so that they can issue me a building permit. The builder I was planning on using is not returning my calls and I need drawings to get a permit. Since the builder is not retuning my calls, I decided to get started on my own. Does anyone know if I can pour my slab before getting a building permit? I was thinking I would have the slab poured and then tell the town that I would like to build a garage on my existing slab. Can I do this?
Pouring monolithic slab before aquiring building permit
- Thread starter scunan
- Start date
oldgoat
Well-known member
You can do it, but you might also end up having to take it out. Get the permits and then do the pour. No use getting on the wrong side of the inspecters before even getting started. Oh and I know of a guy that tried to pour a garage floor without a permit over a weekend and when he was done the inspecter pulled up asked for his permit and when he didn't have it told him he could now start taking it back out.
NCCheesehead
Well-known member
Around here you would have to drill holes in the slab to verify thickness and an enginneer would have to sign off on the construction and compaction of the soils. The reason I know is I had a superintendent "forget" to call in a slab inspection right before he was relieved of his job... I would say it is highly frowned upon. Why not buy your own permit with your self made drawings and get started?
NCCheesehead
Well-known member
Usually local building departments give homeowners a little slack with hand drawings. Be sure to have a plot plan with building setbacks and proposed garage and meeting all zoning requirements when you go.
ConCretin
Well-known member
Hello from a fellow Mainer.
Permit requirements vary from town to town. You've probably already violated the ordinance if you've moved more than 10 cy of earth. I wouldn't go any further before you get a permit.
Most small towns won't need much in the way of plans but will not look kindly on your project if you bypass them. call your CEO.
Permit requirements vary from town to town. You've probably already violated the ordinance if you've moved more than 10 cy of earth. I wouldn't go any further before you get a permit.
Most small towns won't need much in the way of plans but will not look kindly on your project if you bypass them. call your CEO.
Big Bad Dad
Well-known member
Every Building Inspector I know, and I used to be one, will require an inspection of the footers and slab preparations BEFORE any concrete is poured. They can legally require you to tear it out if it was not inspected.
yucholian
Well-known member
You can easily hand-draw a set of plans.
Take an hour to do it, rather than a work stop order not to mention the possibility of complete demo.
Take an hour to do it, rather than a work stop order not to mention the possibility of complete demo.
wssix99
Well-known member
It sounds like you should be giving your money to another contractor...
Lump
Well-known member
Yeah, if a contractor is not returning your calls NOW, just wait till you see his reaction after the garage is completed, and you have some problems...
Grumpy365
Well-known member
Man, where are you at? Around here, an engineered slab is required if it's over a certain size (20 x 20 I think), but we have expansive clay and improperly engineered foundations routinely crack
.
.This - and if you have any plumbing and electrical work, you will need those permits and have the rough-in inspected before you pour the slab.
I just went through this 6 months ago -
also - it would be much easier if yor contractor got the permits - he will be familiar with the process and what the inspector is looking for.
I would get a new contractor if you are having problems this early in the game.
I am going to draw up some plans tomorrow or buy some online, but most likely will draw them up. I already have a plot plan showing that I meet all the setbacks. I am probably just going to get my permit and then frame the thing myself. I will hire out the roof since I am not interested in tackling that. I did have some earth moved but it all came from my own property so hopefully that won't be a problem.
ConCretin
Well-known member
scunan,
A lot of towns require a permit if you move more than 10 cy of soil - it doesn't matter whether the soil is native to your site. I only mention it so you can be prepared if it comes up.
Maine recently enacted a statewide building and energy code but it doesn't apply to all towns yet. Most small towns won't do a lot of inspections or be difficult to work with.
Submit some basic plans showing setbacks and you'll get a permit without too much trouble. It is going to be more difficult in the future but for now it's manageable. For more info about what's coming go to www.maine.gov.dps/bbcs. Good luck.
A lot of towns require a permit if you move more than 10 cy of soil - it doesn't matter whether the soil is native to your site. I only mention it so you can be prepared if it comes up.
Maine recently enacted a statewide building and energy code but it doesn't apply to all towns yet. Most small towns won't do a lot of inspections or be difficult to work with.
Submit some basic plans showing setbacks and you'll get a permit without too much trouble. It is going to be more difficult in the future but for now it's manageable. For more info about what's coming go to www.maine.gov.dps/bbcs. Good luck.
Chevy Guy
Well-known member
The builder is doing you a favor by showing you his true colors now.
RUN!!!
RUN!!!
ConCretin
Well-known member
X2. PM me if you need some help finding a good contractor. We don't do many residential jobs but I may be able to refer you.
jvitez
Well-known member
1. Call your town's building permit office. "Hi, I'm planning on building a detached garage AxBxC in size. What are your requirements for a building like this?"
2. Follow their advice!
Another option is to hand draw exactly what you want, then look in your Yellow Pages etc and find a local certified draftsman. Pay him to draw up actual construction drawings. If your town requires an engineers stamp, the draftsman can do that for you before he delivers your plans. Now you look really well prepared and start off on the good side of your town's building dept. Also, you'll give no wiggle room for any contractor/sub trade you hire, they also will see you mean business.
2. Follow their advice!
Another option is to hand draw exactly what you want, then look in your Yellow Pages etc and find a local certified draftsman. Pay him to draw up actual construction drawings. If your town requires an engineers stamp, the draftsman can do that for you before he delivers your plans. Now you look really well prepared and start off on the good side of your town's building dept. Also, you'll give no wiggle room for any contractor/sub trade you hire, they also will see you mean business.
Bib Overalls
Well-known member
Most cities and counties use aerial photos to find undocumented construction. If you go in and say "I have an old existing slab in my yard that I want to build on" they will say "Does not show on the photos. How old did you say it was?"
Call the officials in your town that issue permits and do inspections and ask them to go over the process with you. That should put you on their good side and it will payback later.
Good luck.
Call the officials in your town that issue permits and do inspections and ask them to go over the process with you. That should put you on their good side and it will payback later.
Good luck.