• When do I need a permit?
  
• Where do I find the building inspector's office?

• I want to purchase a house that had work done on it without a permit. What are my options?
  
• What's the difference between a designer and an architect?

Obtaining a permit is not a hard and fixed rule, but it is generally required for anything involving a structural change or adding something new. You wouldn't need a permit to put in a new toilet, but you might to install new windows. Because rules vary so widely, the simplest solution is to call your building inspector's office, tell them what you want to do, and ask if you need a permit.

Where do I find the building inspector's office?

Check your phone book's local government white pages under city or county offices. You can also call city hall and inquire.

I want to purchase a house that had work done on it without a permit. What are my options?

A buyer should have the option of accepting property ''as is'' or insisting that a permit be obtained for work done without a permit. The building inspector's office may impose a fine if the owner knowingly did or had the work done without a permit. Having a permit obtained for the work will ensure that it was done according to the applicable codes. If you accept the property ''as is'' you may opt to use such information to bargain the price down, with the idea that you will subsequently have the work permitted on your own. But make sure that you can and do obtain permits for this work, because if you sell the house later, you will have to disclose your knowledge of this work.

What's the difference between a designer and an architect?

A designer is a person who provides design and technical information, design concepts, and construction documents for construction purposes. An architect holds a professional degree from an accredited school of architecture, as well as being registered in his or her state, if a registered architect. An architect is a professional who has completed formal studies in his or her field. An architect typically will be able to provide you with a complete and detailed design package based on his or her formal training and experience. However, there is no rule that says an architect is always better than a designer. And a designer will likely be less expensive than an architect. Several great architects in the past were neither educated nor registered by today's modern requirements, but that doesn't mean their creativity, knowledge, and technical expertise were inferior. What is important is that you find an architect or designer who can guide you in the correct direction and whom you feel comfortable working with. You need also to check that the local building inspector's office will accept a designer's architectural drawings, which they normally do.