Get all the building permit information you need to start your next home improvement project at the Bartlett Park District’s annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 23 at Bartlett Nature Center in James “Pate” Philip State Park, 2054 W. Stearns Road. Bartlett Building Department staff will be there from noon to 4 p.m. to answer your building code questions and provide information about the Illinois Energy Conservation Codes. They can guide you through the details for proper permitting so that your home not only looks great when you are done with your project but can be safely enjoyed for many years. There also will be free CFL light bulbs, while supplies last.

Building permits are required because your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with Village codes, the value of your investment is reduced. 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 make costly repairs. Also, by following code guidelines, the completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends or future owners.

If you are hiring an outside contractor for your next home project, please make sure whoever you hire is licensed and bonded to work in the Village. For a link to a list of licensed contractors, visit the Building Department page.

The Building Department will also be kicking off national Building Safety Month 2016 in May. This year’s theme is “Building Codes: Driving Growth through Innovation, Resilience and Safety,” with a focus on: 1. Awareness of safe and resilient construction; 2. Fire prevention and disaster mitigation; 3. Water safety and conservation; 4. Energy efficiency and new technologies in the construction industry. Residents can visit www.buildingsafetymonth.org for more information.