• Mark VanKerkhoff is the director of the Development & Community Services Department for Kane County, IL, where he has provided leadership and management in the areas of planning, community development, homeless services and housing, building, zoning and code enforcement services to Kane County residents since 1994. Got a “Did You Know” question for Mark? Email him at vankerkhoffmark@co.kane.il.us.

Planning some home remodeling in 2015? Did you know that some people miss the important detail of getting building permits and inspections? There are various reasons, and here is why and how you can avoid jeopardizing your project and your investment.

(1) “I didn’t know I needed to get a building permit.” 

This is the easy one, but every community is different. Just check online or call the building department for where you live, either in a municipality or the unincorporated areas of Kane County. Explain your project as best you can so the staff assisting you can give an accurate answer. For unincorporated Kane County, call (630) 232-3485 or visit the “Building and Zoning” page on the Kane County website.

(2) “I know the work will be done right, so I don’t need to get a permit.”

Obtaining a permit is the best way to ensure that the work is done per local codes and safe for your family to live in. Think of it as a safety double check. In addition, failure to get a building permit could result in your project being stopped or even hinder the eventual sale of your home if the buyer finds out.

(3) “My contractor told me I do not need one.”

As the owner, you are ultimately responsible for obtaining permits, when required. This excuse is often a warning sign that your contractor might not be working in your best interest. I recommend reviewing “Home Repair – Know Your Consumer Rights” from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

(4) “My property taxes will go up.”

This is a concern building officials hear all the time. Building department staff are not the best people to accurately answer that question, and my concern is that too many people make poor decisions about permits based on inaccurate information or perceptions about how their project will actually impact their tax bill. That is why you should ask your township assessor AND check out kanecountyconnects.com on Monday, Dec. 29, for the next “Ask Mark” feature by my colleague, Kane County Supervisor of Assessments Mark Armstrong.

I already asked him that question for you …

CREDIT: Illinois Attorney General’s Office