General Requirements in Construction

There are several requirements to consider before breaking ground.

Thanks to advances in technology, efficient processes and development friendly laws, construction has never been easier in the United States. Still, whether building a new dream home or building an industrial park, there are several general requirements before you can break ground and get to work.

Zoning

Before you begin construction, you must be sure the building or facility you are constructing is proper for the zone you are working in. Zones (e.g., residential zone, parking zone and commercial zone) provide a buffer between the high traffic areas of the marketplace and highways and the residential areas where children play. While building a dream home in the suburbs is encouraged, building a shopping mall or sewage treatment plant would not be. Consult the county property appraiser's office or the comptroller for zoning information. If your project seems to be in the wrong zone, depending on the circumstances, the county may rezone the area for a fee.

Permits

Along with building in the proper zone, the proper permits must be acquired before breaking ground. These permits depend on what you are building, what materials will be used in the construction of your facility and whether you will be closing off a road to complete your project. City ordinance requires permits for any facility, home or building that has plans for electricity, plumbing, gas heating or air conditioning. Additional permits may be required in the particular city you are constructing in. Consult the city ordinance or country comptroller for more information about your location's particular permit laws and requirements.

The Team

Most importantly, especially if you are planning a commercial project, a team of workers is required. There are many commercial home builders that supply a number of workers to build your home according to their specifications (e.g., MC Modular, Champion Homes) and a number of commercial building companies (e.g., Demetree Construction or Allied Building) that can build your commercial structure very quickly. Choosing a building company can be expensive, but the money spent ensures a comprehensive job done quickly.

The Ground

Finally, before beginning construction, there are several environmental factors that must be accounted for. The terrain must be planed in order to provide adequate runoff during construction and there must be adequate space and facilities set aside for the disposal of hazardous materials used or created in the construction of your project.

References

• Virginia.gov: Federal Construction Requirements
• Iowa.gov: Pre-Construction Requirements