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LICENSED IN LA, MS, AL, AR, GA, TN
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The Secret to Smoother Construction Permits Isn’t What You Think

Navigating construction permits is an essential part of any successful construction project, but the permitting process is often misunderstood. At Legacy Construction & Development, we work closely with local building departments and permit offices to help keep projects moving while ensuring every job meets applicable codes and safety requirements.

Read along as our Project Manager, Tyler Ochello, shares a simple lesson he’s learned throughout the construction permitting process…

 

 

When people think about a construction project or working through the construction permitting process, they often expect frustration, delays, and endless bureaucracy. In my experience, though, the biggest factor isn’t paperwork, it’s people. While permits can certainly test your patience, I’ve found that one simple thing can make all the difference: how you treat people.

Construction Permits Are About More Than Paperwork

The only thing in life you can control is how you treat people, and if you decide to treat people kindly, it can take you a long way. We have all heard the “Golden Rule” or the saying, “You attract more flies with honey.” These may sound cliché, but keeping them in mind as you navigate the construction industry can be a game changer, especially when working with a local building department or permit office.

Growing up, I always heard that getting construction permits and navigating the bureaucracy of the city permit office was a nightmare. That being said, I don’t find it to be that daunting. At the end of the day, it’s just working with people.

Sure, sometimes it is a pain to sit and jump through hoops that might seem futile or unnecessary, like having to provide additional documentation, answer questions, or revisit items you thought were already complete. In those moments, it’s easy to become frustrated. But I find that if you take the time to ask the person on the other end of the phone how their day is going, it can make all the difference. No matter the situation, having the empathy to understand that the person you are dealing with is also trying to get through their day, just like you are, can go a long way.

Understanding the Permit Office’s Role

In the construction industry, everything moves fast and is needed “right now.” Owners, contractors, architects, and subcontractors are constantly working against deadlines, and urgency can sometimes come across as rude or disingenuous. On the other hand, the permit office has a different responsibility. Their focus is making sure everything is in the right place to protect customers from illegal work or unsafe construction practices.

It can feel like the city is working against you because of all the information they are requesting, but I find it helpful to understand the bigger picture. They are in those positions not only to protect the customer, but also to protect us as contractors from unsafe work practices. The construction permitting process exists to help ensure construction projects meet code requirements and are completed safely. That perspective doesn’t eliminate every challenge, but it does make those challenges feel easier to navigate.

Treat People the Way You Want to Be Treated

So ultimately, if you find yourself in a situation where you have to deal with the city, apply for building permits, or work through any clerical issue that requires you to go above and beyond, be patient. Take the time to relate to the person on the other end of the issue. And honor your mother and father by remembering, “Treat people the way you want to be treated.” The strongest working relationships are often built with simple respect.

You might find that what first seems difficult is met with people who are simply trying to do their jobs and are willing to help. Whether you’re planning a commercial buildout or a residential new build, the best tool on a construction project isn’t another piece of equipment; it’s simply treating people the way you’d want to be treated.

 

 

Planning a commercial or residential construction project? Legacy Construction believes great projects begin with strong relationships from the first conversation to the final inspection. If you’re ready to get started, contact our team – we’d love to talk.

The Secret to Smoother Construction Permits Isn’t What You Think

Navigating construction permits is an essential part of any successful construction project, but the permitting process is often misunderstood. At Legacy Construction & Development, we work closely with local building departments and permit offices to help keep projects moving while ensuring every job meets applicable codes and safety requirements.

Read along as our Project Manager, Tyler Ochello, shares a simple lesson he’s learned throughout the construction permitting process…

 

 

When people think about a construction project or working through the construction permitting process, they often expect frustration, delays, and endless bureaucracy. In my experience, though, the biggest factor isn’t paperwork, it’s people. While permits can certainly test your patience, I’ve found that one simple thing can make all the difference: how you treat people.

Construction Permits Are About More Than Paperwork

The only thing in life you can control is how you treat people, and if you decide to treat people kindly, it can take you a long way. We have all heard the “Golden Rule” or the saying, “You attract more flies with honey.” These may sound cliché, but keeping them in mind as you navigate the construction industry can be a game changer, especially when working with a local building department or permit office.

Growing up, I always heard that getting construction permits and navigating the bureaucracy of the city permit office was a nightmare. That being said, I don’t find it to be that daunting. At the end of the day, it’s just working with people.

Sure, sometimes it is a pain to sit and jump through hoops that might seem futile or unnecessary, like having to provide additional documentation, answer questions, or revisit items you thought were already complete. In those moments, it’s easy to become frustrated. But I find that if you take the time to ask the person on the other end of the phone how their day is going, it can make all the difference. No matter the situation, having the empathy to understand that the person you are dealing with is also trying to get through their day, just like you are, can go a long way.

Understanding the Permit Office’s Role

In the construction industry, everything moves fast and is needed “right now.” Owners, contractors, architects, and subcontractors are constantly working against deadlines, and urgency can sometimes come across as rude or disingenuous. On the other hand, the permit office has a different responsibility. Their focus is making sure everything is in the right place to protect customers from illegal work or unsafe construction practices.

It can feel like the city is working against you because of all the information they are requesting, but I find it helpful to understand the bigger picture. They are in those positions not only to protect the customer, but also to protect us as contractors from unsafe work practices. The construction permitting process exists to help ensure construction projects meet code requirements and are completed safely. That perspective doesn’t eliminate every challenge, but it does make those challenges feel easier to navigate.

Treat People the Way You Want to Be Treated

So ultimately, if you find yourself in a situation where you have to deal with the city, apply for building permits, or work through any clerical issue that requires you to go above and beyond, be patient. Take the time to relate to the person on the other end of the issue. And honor your mother and father by remembering, “Treat people the way you want to be treated.” The strongest working relationships are often built with simple respect.

You might find that what first seems difficult is met with people who are simply trying to do their jobs and are willing to help. Whether you’re planning a commercial buildout or a residential new build, the best tool on a construction project isn’t another piece of equipment; it’s simply treating people the way you’d want to be treated.

 

 

Planning a commercial or residential construction project? Legacy Construction believes great projects begin with strong relationships from the first conversation to the final inspection. If you’re ready to get started, contact our team – we’d love to talk.

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