What kind of legal issues may arise if I try to build my own home on my private property?

The Snow Platypus

The answer to that question depends greatly on where you live, both by county and state. Some echo friendly building elements are well dealt with by zoning and permitting everywhere these days (expl. solar panels), other elements--like grey water catchment systems for toilets, or living roofs--will vary wildly in permitting difficulty by location.

For instance, Portland, Oregon has engineering requirements for living roofs on the books, but in Tuscon, Arizona they might just say "no" because they don't know what the hell you're talking about. Zoning and permitting bureaucrats generally hate new situations.

A great way to overcome bureaucratic permitting obstacles--base on this sort of ignorance--is to pay your engineer to come in to the permitting office with you. There have been several times that I have gotten sets of plans through this way. There is definitely no substitute for having your engineer there to authoritatively explain why the design will work.

Because permitting and zoning are so regionally based, the only way you'll get specific, truly useful answers, for your question is if you include the state and county you're planning to build in. Otherwise you'll probably just get a bunch of people venting about stuff that very well might not apply to your situation at all.

That said, there are somethings that, no matter what anyone else tells you, it is simply irresponsible to do yourself. The big one is engineering. No matter what your buddies in construction tell you, having an engineer sign off on your plan is vital. There are now many engineers that specialize in green building, find yourself one as a STARTING point for your project, and pay him for a consultation. It will save you money in the long run, and if their local, they'll be able to steer you through some of the local legal pitfalls.

Rebel Yell

You must obtain permits and submit plans to the city. Certain building and safety regulations, such as proper electrical, plumbing, and structural codes must be met for approval.

Your city should provide city codes and requirements for all of this.

Rusty

You need to make sure the zoning your private property is under allows for a residence, and that its not for commercial/industrial use. Also you will need to meet building codes, electrical, and plumbing codes by your local city, state or whatever.

shinde

To build a new dwelling or an addition, you must apply for the necessary permits in order to ensure the proposed work meets the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw and Alberta Building Code. The following is a list of permits that may be required:
* Development Permit
* Building Permit
* Electrical (underground and interior)
* Plumbing (underground and interior)
* Gas (underground and interior)
* Private Sewage Disposal

Depending on where you live, the laws may change slightly. Look at your local city website

Mr. Fantastic!

Congratulations for wanting to build your own house.
I have done this.

One of the things that you would have to do is get your own building permit. Be aware of setbacks ( space between property lines and buildings). Permits will also have to obtained for your water supply if you are going to hook up to a municipal water system, septic system or drill your own water well. Zoning laws may apply if lot size and style of home is a consideration. If, for instance if you plan on building in a historic area. There may also be local ordinances that dictate when your house needs to be inspected for soundness of construction, electrical, and plumbing. I did my own wiring and most of the plumbing, but when it comes to waste removal, do yourself a HUGE favor and hire a plumber. He would also be the one who would also be the one to obtain the necessary permits needed to do his work.

Building a house is a lot of work and will take you longer to do than you think it will. Be ready to hire someone if you need to. Sure, it's the spring of the year now, but winter is coming faster than you think.

Good Luck!!

manegonel

Depending on where you live you will have to get various building permits, Certain areas have specific limitation on what you can build and how you can build it. This is specifically true in historical districts. You will have to build your house to meet all the codes that apply to your area, state county and city depending on where you are. I would suggest going down to your areas Land Use office and getting a copy of the codes and permitting requirements.

itsamini1

Plumbing and electrical codes must be met for certain. I had friends that build their own house, it was very special to them.

You cant build on private property! If the owner of the property wants to sell the land then you would have to move the house off the property. Also you will have to pay land rent to the property owners.
If you build on the land without permission they can have your house torn down at your expense.

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