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Can a homeowner prepare the drawings, obtain a building permit, and construct a house or addition, without consulting an architect/engineer/contractor?

There are provisions in the Building Code for construction of simple one-story buildings without the assistance of plans designed by an architect or engineer.

Homeowners can obtain permits and undertake construction themselves once plans are approved by the City however it is advisable for homeowners to work with a licensed contractor during the construction phase of the project.

Always hire a licensed contractor and request his/her license number. You can contact various State agencies to obtain information:

Architects – Contact the California Board of Architectural Examiners at (916) 445-3394 or at www.cab.ca.gov.

Engineers – Contact the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors at (916) 263-2222 or at www.dca.ca.gov/pels.

Contractors – Contractors State License Board at 1-800-321-2752 or at www.cslb.ca.gov.

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