Home · Permit drawings for additions and renovations
Permit drawings for additions and renovations in Ohio
James Kehl Architects draws the permit set for home additions, renovations, porches, garages and attic or basement finishes anywhere in Ohio. Each set is drawn by an Ohio registered architect to the Residential Code of Ohio, and James answers the plan reviewer's comments until the permit is issued.
Before
AfterWhat is in a permit set for an addition?
The building department wants to see how the new work is built and how it meets the existing house. A typical set includes:
- a site plan with the addition, setbacks and lot coverage;
- existing and new floor plans, so the reviewer sees what changes;
- elevations of every side that changes, and a building section;
- foundation, floor, wall and roof framing, with beam and header sizes;
- stairs, guards, egress windows and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where they apply;
- energy code notes for insulation and windows.
Who is this for?
Homeowners adding a room, a second story, a garage or a porch; owners renovating an older house; and builders who want a clean set so they can get to work. James has drawn additions that untangled old permit problems as well as new ones.
Do I need an architect for an addition in Ohio?
Not by state law. Ohio does not require an architect's seal on plans for one-, two- and three-family homes. You still need drawings the building department can approve, and a lender, an HOA or an architectural review board may ask for more. The guide Do I need an architect for a house or addition in Ohio? explains when it matters.
How does a job run?
- First call. What you want to change, the age of the house, and your timeline.
- Agreement. A short written agreement with the scope, signed before work starts.
- Existing conditions. James measures the house or works from your photos and old drawings, then draws what is there.
- Design. A layout or two to choose from, then the plan you pick, drawn up.
- Permit set and review. JKA finishes the set and answers the reviewer's comments.
How long does a permit take?
That depends on the department. Plan review is done in the order plans are received, and a complete, clear set is the best way to keep it short. Your local building department can tell you its current review time.
What should I have ready?
The address, photos of the rooms and outside walls that will change, any old drawings or survey, and a rough idea of your budget so the design fits it.
Where do you work?
Anywhere in Ohio. The firm works most often in Central Ohio, Columbus suburbs, Northeast Ohio, Eastern Ohio and the Ohio Valley, Southwest Ohio, Northwest Ohio and Southeast Ohio.
“James designed a new addition that solved all our existing permit issues while creating a beautiful new room out of previously unusable space. His expert knowledge of building codes and creative problem-solving design skills were key to the success of our project. He saved us tens of thousands of dollars… James Kehl Architects saved the day!”
Short answers
Who can draw permit plans for a home addition in Ohio?
Ohio does not require an architect's seal for one-, two- and three-family homes, so an owner, a designer or an architect may draw them. James Kehl Architects draws addition and renovation permit sets as an Ohio registered architect.
What drawings does a building department need for an addition?
Usually a site plan, existing and new floor plans, elevations, a section, framing and foundation plans, and energy code notes, all drawn to scale.
Will you answer the plan reviewer's comments?
Yes. Answering plan review comments until the permit is issued is part of the job.