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Building your own home is exciting, and October is the perfect time to get your plans in order. Just like autumn brings cozy changes, the permitting process brings structure and safety to your project. While every city and county has its own requirements, here’s a clear path to help you get started if you’re considering a DIY home build or planning to construct an Arched Cabin home.
1. Contact Your Local Building Department
Since permits are handled locally, your first step is to reach out to your city or county’s building department. Explain your project so they can outline the permits you’ll need—building, electrical, plumbing, and more.
Permitting requirements vary widely across the country:
– States like California, New York, and Florida have some of the toughest standards. They often require extensive documentation and detailed engineered drawings for approval.
– Others, like Mississippi, Missouri, and New Mexico, may have far fewer requirements—and in some cases, may not require formal drawings at all.
💡 Arched Cabin Tip: When speaking to the permitting office, avoid describing your project as a “kit home.” Most “kit homes” are not considered site-built permanent dwellings. Arched Cabins are different—they’re designed as permanent structures and considered as such by permitting offices. Instead, explain that you’ll be building a home with structural steel components and a steel roof. This phrasing better reflects the durability and intent of your project.
2. Gather Project Details and Documentation
Depending on the requirements you have gathered above, find and hire licensed professionals where needed to acquire the necessary documents.
💡 Arched Cabin Tip: Because the process we use in bending the ribs (steel members) of our steel building kits actually adds considerable strength to the square tubing, it is important to reach out to us for example engineering packages to share with your engineer for their calculations. We also have a engineering firm we can recommend that is licensed in all 50 states should you need a referral just email us at info@archedcabinsllc.com.
Another option is to use Fiverr as a resource for signed and stamped engineered drawings and architectural plans. You can easily find an architect, floor plan designer, or engineer licensed in your state by searching Fiverr’s Pro Catalog. Just type in your state and the service you need, then select a Pro provider for guaranteed services. Make sure to verify they’re licensed.
Keep in mind:
– You must have a floor plan first before an engineer can complete the structural engineering.
– If you choose the Fiverr route, we provide CAD files and calculation packages as a starting point for your plans.
– Fiverr is often cheaper and faster, but it may involve more back-and-forth with engineers unfamiliar with our Arched Cabin design.
3. Complete the Permit Application
Fill out the official application with all required information. In some areas, you may need to provide proof of ownership, contractor insurance, or environmental reports.
👉 Pro Tip: Some contractors or engineers may offer to file permits on your behalf for a nominal fee. This can be a huge benefit when navigating complex local requirements. In Montgomery County, our septic engineer filed all our permits for around $1,000. While this is an added cost, the time and headaches you save by having a professional manage the paperwork can be well worth the investment—especially if this is your first time building a home.
4. Submit Your Application and Pay Fees
Turn in your paperwork (online or in person) along with the necessary fees. These vary based on the size and complexity of your project.
5. Undergo Plan Review
The building department will review your plans to confirm they meet local codes. Be ready to provide clarifications if needed.
💡 Arched Cabin Tip: Because Arched Cabins are still a new and cutting-edge design, you may receive some pushback from inspectors or permitting offices at first. It’s best to be patient during this phase of informing them about our design. As always, we are just a phone call away and will gladly speak to them directly whenever needed to ease their concerns.
6. Receive and Display Your Permit
Once approved, you’ll receive your permit. Post it at the construction site where it can be easily seen.
7. Schedule and Pass Inspections
During construction, some areas will require inspections to be scheduled to check foundation work, electrical, plumbing, and more. These ensure your project is progressing safely and according to code.
– Local Variation: Codes differ by city and county—always check your local requirements.
– Responsibility: If you’re the homeowner and builder, permits are your responsibility to secure.
– Complexity: Large projects like new homes require more detail than smaller upgrades.
– Consequences of Skipping Permits: Avoid future headaches—unpermitted work can lead to fines, redo requirements, and challenges when selling your home.
Here’s a quick-reference guide to help you when working with your local permitting office:
1. When speaking to Permitting offices don’t say you’re building a “Kit Home”: Always describe your project as a home built with structural steel components and a steel roof. Arched Cabins are considered permanent structures by permitting offices.
2. Engineering Support: Our rib-bending process adds strength to the tubing. Contact us for sample engineering packages to share with your engineer. We can also connect you with a trusted firm licensed in all 50 states.
3. Use Fiverr if Needed: Fiverr’s Pro Catalog is a great option for finding licensed engineers or architects in your state for signed and stamped drawings. Be sure to have a floor plan first.
4. CAD Files Available: We provide CAD files and calculation packages as a starting point for your plans.
5. Expect Initial Questions: Since Arched Cabins are a newer home design, permitting officials may ask for clarification. Be patient—and remember, we’re only a phone call away to help explain and ease concerns directly.
6. Consider Professional Help: In some cases, paying a contractor or engineer to file permits for you can save time and stress.
The permitting process may seem detailed, but it’s there to protect your investment and ensure your home is safe. With the right preparation—and some Arched Cabin–specific permitting tips—you’ll be well equipped to move smoothly through approvals and inspections. This fall, take the time to get your permits in order—you’ll be one step closer to building the DIY steel home of your dreams.