For home building, rehab, and repair, homeowners and do-it-yourselfers who have hired contractors should call 216.664.2910 to verify that their contractor is registered.
Also, be sure and ask the contractor for copies of permits before work begins. Work should not be accepted prior to a final inspection performed by a City Building and Housing inspector.
Owner-occupants of one- or two-family homes may perform alterations or build homes without being registered as contractors, but are subject to the same regulations that apply to contractors for permits, plan examination, and inspection.
Contractors: Bonding, Insurance, Registration, and Licenses
To build or rehabilitate Cleveland homes, contractors must be bonded, insured, and registered. Electricians and plumbers must also be licensed.
Plan Examination and Approval Process
Once permit applications are made, plans are reviewed by the City for code compliance. There is a charge of $20 per 1,000 square feet of work and a minimum fee of $20 for reviewing plans for homes, garages, sheds, fences, and swimming pools.
The review period varies according to the project’s complexity. In general, the review of one- and two-family homes can be completed in three to five working days.
Building and Housing Inspections
Contractors and do-it-yourselfers are responsible for scheduling inspections by calling the office number listed on the building permit. Inspections should be made after foundation excavation (before pouring concrete), after rough-in (before concealing work), and upon completion.
NOTE: If faulty work is discovered, the inspector will issue a violation notice, and a specific period of time will be allotted to correct the problem.