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.