Oak Park, Illinois Village Departments -- Construction Inspections

Building & Property Standards

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Building & Property
Standards

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Construction Inspections

A permit is legal authority to begin a project and triggers an inspection process. Inspections need to be performed at various stages of a project to ensure compliance with construction codes. The permit fee is intended to cover the cost of administering the permit and building inspection system. Certain types of work should not proceed without first being inspected, such as pouring concrete or drywalling newly framed walls or, more generally, any work that would cover un-inspected construction. A final inspection for all completed permit work is required. One re-inspection of non-compliant work is typically included in the cost of the initial permit. The Village of Oak Park adopts several internationally accepted model codes that dictate minimum standards for the performance of construction trade work. Although compliance with the codes does not eliminate all potential risks, it does reduce risks to a level considered acceptable by a consortium of code officials, fire officials, construction trade organizations, product manufacturers, and insurance carriers. Permits and inspections are the best avenue available to assure that your project meets accepted minimum standards for safety and durability. The building owner or contractor must contact the Building Inspection Services division to schedule an inspection with as much advance notice as possible.

Construction Complaints

Should a building owner experience problems with the quality of the work of a contractor, State of Illinois consumer protection laws provide a potential legal avenue for redress of the problem. Hiring a contractor to make home repairs is a stressful, time consuming process that sometimes results in disputes between the consumer and the worker for hire. To promote fair and honest business practices in Illinois, and to protect consumers, Illinois has approved the Home Repair and Remodeling Act which took effect on January 1, 2000. The law requires any contractor hired for home repair or remodeling project costing more than $1,000 to:

Obtain and maintain public liability, property damage and improper home repair insurance (levels of coverage are mandated).
Supply the consumer with a written contract or work order stating the total cost for the project and identifying with "reasonable particularity" the parts and materials to be used or supplied.
Identify on the contract or work order the physical street address of the contractor's place of business or residence.
Supply the consumer with a copy of the Illinois Attorney General's pamphlet entitled Tips to Prevent Consumer Fraud and to secure a signed acknowledgment from you indicating that he/she has done so. A copy of the pamphlet is available from the AG's Office or electronically by clicking on the title above.

Contractor fraud should be reported to the Illinois Attorney General's Office at 800.386.5438. Also be sure to verify that a contractor you select secures the necessary permit(s) for the work. For questions regarding permits or inspections, contact 708.358.5430.

Contact Number:
708.358.5430

E-mail:
Building@oak-park.us

Related Commission:
Building Codes Advisory Commission