• Increased Value – Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes, the value of your investment could be reduced.
• Insurance – Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to do costly repairs.
• Ensures Safety – A permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety and welfare. By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends and future owners.

Yes. Effective January 1, 2006, all home improvement contractors must be registered with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. They will have to produce a registration card from the State before any permits can be issued. Electrical & Plumbing contractors must be licensed by the State of NJ.

Yes, a permit is required to replace your water heater, furnace, boiler or AC. These appliances are all required to have a permit and to be inspected.

Yes.  In the house you live in and own, you may perform your own work in all four trades (building, electric, plumbing, fire) and you can draw your own plans for the work to be undertaken, if you can provide a detailed drawing of the proposed work.  If you decide to hire someone to do the work, you must file for a change of contractor.  Contractors for underground oil storage tank removal/abandonments must be licensed by NJDEP.

Not always. Some projects may be done by the homeowner when the work is being done by you and where the home is your primary residence. However, the drawings must have sufficient details for the subcode official to review and approve.

All our Inspectors are licensed by the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards to inspect all phases of construction required to have a permit.

It depends upon what type of work is involved. State law requires that we review your application within 20 working days. Smaller projects may not require as much time and may be issued earlier.

Cash (exact change), checks, money orders made payable to the Borough of Metuchen.

You, as the property owner, are responsible for all things related to your property. Some contractors will secure the permit for you. But you must ensure that the contractor does this prior to performing any work.

Building permits are good for one (1) year from the date of issuance and six (6) months after the last inspection thereafter. Any permits beyond this date may be deemed voided and may incur additional fees to reinstate a voided permit.