Drawings for Permits

[Emily L. Wiersema]

Hi all,

I'm looking to complete a rehab for a BRRRR property. There is an opporrunity to take some space from a massive closet/den to turn a half bath into a full bath in the "master" bed room. I know a permit will be required but do I need an architect to create drawings for me so I can get the permit. I am project managing this property myself so I can learn as much as possible so I won't have a GC to do it.

Thoughts, ideas all welcome!

[Marcus Auerbach]

@Emily L. Wiersema you will not need an architect, but Milwaukee will require some plans. You can either draw them up yourselves or you can ask you carpenter to help you with that. Maybe you have a friend who is an engineer and will help you? 

If the wall is load bearing you will need a header to span the opening - think of it like a bridge that has to span the distance and carry the weight of the structure above. If it's more than just a few feet, you will probably use aa LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beam, which will require a load calculation. Some lumber yards can do that for you.

You want to make sure your carpenter knows what he's doing when installing the beam, otherwise you will see cracks in the drywall or worse later on - think snow load next winter.

The easy way is to install the beam under the ceiling, but the you loose room height. Much nicer is a hidden flush mounted beam which sits in te attick and the joists hang from the beam. This way you have a nice open ceiling without interruption.