Starting before approval

by Andrew
(Calgary, Canada)

Q. My council authority has taken 2 months to approve my plans and they still have them and say they are backlogged and can't say when they can do it. This is trashing all my plans and I just have to start. The plans are good and all my submissions are done right so why shouldn't I get a head start and set some piers?

A. Many things hinge on the approvals process. If an accident occurs your insurance will not cover you, the building authority has to view your pier holes before you set posts or pour concrete, and intrusive neighbours may find out you have no approval and let them know. Why not spend the time on fences, water tanks, driveways, PC purchasing, paint, good secure cover for your kit materials etc.