What should I consider when hiring a general contractor to work on my house?
One of the best assurances that you are hiring a competent and trustworthy contractor is to contact people who have hired them in the past. A reputable contractor will be able to provide the names and contact information for several recent customers. Drive by those houses to see for yourself the contractor’s quality of the work. In addition to checking references, there are other issues to consider. Go online and do some research, maybe starting with the following:

Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org/dayton/

Federal Trade Commission: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor

U.S. News and World Report: http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2014/11/14/18-tips-for-finding-a-reliable-home-contractor

BuildingAdvisor.com: http://buildingadvisor.com/your-team/general-contractors/

Lifehacker.com: http://lifehacker.com/5578353/how-to-hire-a-contractor-without-getting-hosed#references

In addition to a Building Permit, permits will also be required for any Electrical, Plumbing, and Heating & Cooling work. The cost of a permit is generally small compared to the overall project costs. The inspections included in the permit fee provide the homeowner with the assurance the work is completed in compliance with the minimum requirements of the residential building code and the approved plans. A copy of the approved plans and all permits are required to be kept at the project location. If you have additional questions, please contact the Building Inspection Division at 937-333-3883.

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1. What should I consider when hiring a general contractor to work on my house?
2. Do I need a permit to install or re-roof my house?
3. Do I need a permit to build a fence?
4. Do I need a building permit to put a shed in my yard?
5. What residential building codes does the Division of Building Inspection enforce?
6. Do I need a permit to install a swimming pool or hot tub?
7. Can I put new shingles over the existing ones?
8. What is the frost line depth; how deep should I dig my footing?
9. How long do I have to make repairs to a house that has been cited as a nuisance?
10. After a permit is issued, can I do the work on my house or do I need to hire someone?
11. What do I need to obtain a permit to build a deck?
12. What do I need to obtain a permit to add a garage?
13. What do I need to obtain a permit to build an addition to my house?
14. Do my plans need to be prepared by an Architect or an Engineer?
15. How long does it take to get a permit?
16. How many copies of plans are required for permit review?