As I originally wrote this article at 2 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024, Harris County was still reeling from the devastating high winds and rain that struck downtown Houston, the Heights, and Northwest Houston along Highway 290. The storm caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to office buildings, restaurants, residential properties, and more. Shattered glass strewn across downtown has created immediate safety hazards.
The PermitUsNow team has extensive experience with storms that cause severe structural damage, including cracked external walls, shattered windows, ripped-off bricks, blown-off roofs, and busted frames. From this experience, we know that obtaining the proper building permits is crucial for property repairs.
The Risks of Unpermitted Work
Some property owners, for various reasons, may attempt to repair the damage themselves without securing the necessary permits. This unpermitted work is often done improperly and not up to code, creating significant risks for property users and future buyers.
Moreover, hurricane damage can attract unscrupulous contractors looking to make a quick buck. These contractors may avoid pulling building permits to cut corners. The worst-case scenario for a property owner is paying for haphazard repairs that lack proper permits.
Essential Permits for Houston and Harris County
Based on the recent damage to residential and commercial properties, the following permits will likely be needed for repairs:
- Sidewalk Closure Permits
- Scaffolding Permits
- Street Closure Permits
- Remodel Permits
- Repair Permits
- Roof Permits
Most permitting jurisdictions do not require permits for refreshing areas, such as painting walls, replacing damaged sheetrock, or replacing carpet. However, if the weather head is pulled away from the roof, an electrical contractor must pull an electrical permit to make repairs. Local energy utilities typically do not proceed with their repairs until the weather head is properly fixed. Additionally, damage to pipes or HVAC systems may require trade permits, as determined by trade contractors.
In Summary
Rebuilding after a hurricane is complex and challenging. By understanding the types of permits required, contractors can effectively manage repairs and protect their clients’ property investments. Planning is essential for facing nature’s unpredictable forces. Adhering to jurisdiction guidelines ensures contractors are well-equipped to rebuild and restore the community post-storm. Partnering with a reputable permit expediting company like PermitUsNow can streamline the rebuilding process, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
Contact PermitUsNow
Call PermitUsNow at 1.844.PERMIT.4. We are dedicated to securing permits for our architect, contractor, and project owner clients promptly, eliminating frustrations with the permitting process. Working with us is simple:
- Email us your plans.
- Follow up on our feedback for any missing items.
- Let us handle your permitting needs.
Send us your plans today, and we’ll free you up to focus on what you love—building your customers’ dreams. #BuildSafe
By: Helen Callier, PermitUsNow
