Basement

Common Construction Projects: Basement

[*Information and instructions provided here pertain to most common basement projects, which do not involve additional gas or water plumbing.]

General Information Required – Basement

  • Two (2) copies of wall section drawing (see example) indicating all materials to be used
  • Two (2) copies of ceiling section drawing indicating all materials to be used
  • Two (2) copies of floor plan (looking down) showing dimensions of all rooms and doors
  • Two (2) copies of floor plan (looking down) showing duct system for heating/air
  • Two (2) copies of floor plan (looking down) showing electrical wiring and all fixture locations
  • If plumbing is involved, provide Two (2) copies of floor plan showing piping and all fixture locations
  • One (1) copy of Permit Application
  • One (1) copy of contract with contractor indicating value of proposed work
  • One (1) copy of Application for Certificate

*Sectional drawings and floor plans can be drawn by homeowner or a N.J. licensed architect. If drawn by an architect, they must be signed and have a raised seal.  Homeowners drawing their own plans or drawings must have the declaration "personally prepared by ....." with homeowner’s signature. Homeowners also must check part “B” on the inside of the Construction Permit Application (CPA) folder and sign the affidavit below on the inside of the CPA folder or their plans may not be accepted for review. It is illegal for builders/contractors to draw construction plans as they are not licensed or insured to do so.

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Application Forms – Basement

[In all cases of plumbing, mechanical or electrical projects where a contractor is hired, EACH copy of the permit application must have the raised seal of the contractor.]

Application For Certificate

Building Subcode Technical Section

Electrical Subcode Technical Section

Fire Protection Subcode Technical Section

Mechanical Inspector Technical Section (if applicable) 

Plumbing Subcode Technical Section (if applicable) 

Construction Permit App

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General *Inspection Requirements – Basement

  1. Mechanical – After ducting is installed but BEFORE it is covered.
  2. Rough Electric – After all electrical wiring and fixtures have been installed but BEFORE wall finish is applied.
  3. Frame – After all mechanical systems, electrical wiring and electrical fixtures have been installed but BEFORE wall finish is applied.
  4. Above Ceiling – After all mechanical systems, electrical wiring and electrical fixtures have been installed but BEFORE ceiling finish is applied.
  5. Insulation – BEFORE wall and ceiling finishes are applied.
  6. Final – After all work is completed; after walls, ceilings and registers are installed; after smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide detector are installed.

            *Following additional special inspections for plumbing will be required if basement includes water or gas plumbing.  Request for plumbing inspection must be made before installing wall or ceiling finishes.

1.   Slab – This inspection includes any piping, fixtures or equipment that is to be permanently covered or buried in the floor.
2.   Rough – This inspection includes all piping and connections with an approved test on the piping.
3.   Final – This inspection will verify that the plumbing was installed according to approved plan and is working properly.

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Useful Terms & Definitions – Basement

Combustion Air

Fuel burning appliances, gas or oil, require Oxygen for proper combustion (flame).  If there is not enough combustion air the appliance will not run efficiently and in extreme cases may bring Carbon Monoxide back into the house through the flue. 

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Senses levels of Carbon Monoxide in the air and alarms when levels reach dangerous levels.  They are to be installed near and on every level with bedrooms.  This has been a State requirement since 2003.

Concealed Space

Any space behind finished wall or ceiling.

CSST

Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing.

Cut Sheet

Information from the manufacturer that shows specifications, type, measurements and installation methods.

Fireblocking

To make an effective fire barrier to slow propagations of fire both vertically and horizontally.

GFCI

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.

Riser Drawings

Drawings that show piping arrangements both horizontal and vertical.  These drawings include pipe lengths and sizes.

ROMEX

It is a brand name for a type of plastic insulated wire. Sometimes called non-metallic sheath.

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Fees

The state allows each municipality to adopt their own fee schedules based on the actual costs incurred.  The fee schedule is monitored annually by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to ensure the fees are not excessive and are adequate to cover appropriate costs.

The cost of a permit is set by township ordinance available at the township Construction Office.

For the successful completion of your project, in addition to general guidance and information in this section, The Construction Department reserves the right to ask for any specific information or clarification unique to your project.

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