I recently read in a local newspaper an article about a homeowner in Houston just receiving her reconstructed home after it was destroyed 5 years ago in August of 2017 from Hurricane Harvey’s flood waters. The homeowner was gleaming with joy with tears flowing down her face as she was handed her keys to her rebuilt house.

I know what you are thinking. Why did it take so long for this homeowner’s house to be reconstructed? A myriad of reasons have been stated by local and State government officials on why many homeowners are still waiting or recently moving into their homes after Hurricane Harvey. Some economically challenged homeowners were dependent on government funding to rebuild their house. Other homeowners that have insurance to cover cost of repairs struggled and many are still grappling with rebuilding from being caught in the snares of City Permitting with multiple rejections from attempting to handle permitting themselves or using a General Contractor not familiar with the permitting process, amendments and building codes.

Five years later and still struggling with permitting? Here are three steps to follow now.

1. Gather all documents that were submitted to the City Permitting office such as Architectural plans, civil site plans, drainage plans, surveys, etc.
2. Pull list of rejection comments issued by City Plan Reviewers
3. Conduct research for building code and permitting experts that have experience and is proven in obtaining building permits for Hurricane Harvey damage houses.

Although much time has passed since Hurricane Harvey know that as a property owner, you can keep your dream of returning to your home and living again in your community where you have long time neighbors, raised or raising your children and enjoying living there.

In addition, as a Contractor, I am resharing a story from a GC that called into the PermitUsNow’s toll free line that will remind you to pull a permit regardless of a dire situation you are faced with. Read article via link below.

8 Steps to Follow When Completed Construction and Failed to Pull a Building Permit

August 8th, 2020

The GC that called in was faced with a huge problem as he was in the last few hours of repairing and building an addition to his elderly in-law’s house when out of nowhere a City Code Enforcement Officer shows up as asked to see the building permit and approved plans.

In Conclusion

As the 5-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey approaches, many homeowners are still living with relatives or in a hotel or mobile home and yearn to be in their own home. We get it! After successfully pulling permits for approximately 200 houses damaged by Hurricane Harvey in Houston and surrounding areas, at PermitUsNow, we are committed to pulling permits for our Architect, Contractor, and Project Owner clients without delay, eliminating their frustrations with the permitting process. Plus, we make it easy for you to work with us. Simply: 1) Email us your plans, 2) Follow up on our feedback for any missing items, and 3) Let us get your permitting done for you. So, send us your plans today and we’ll free you up to focus on doing what you love – building your customers’ dreams. #BuildSafe