Building Our Dream Home Step 1: Building Permit Requirement and Fees

Happy New Year everyone! This 2018, we are going to slowly start the construction of our home. I'm absolutely excited and overwhelmed because I will be the one to supervise the entire crew. So that means less travels for this year 😭😭😭 for our long term family goals.

Anyhow, when I found the right design for my dreamhouse, I consulted my husband if he is cool with it. After a few changes, he eventually agreed. I think that's a key to a good relationship. You have to exchange views, meet in the middle and both agree about everything in the end.


To tell you the truth,  at first we really didn't care about this permit until I attended the seminar for CAGELCO (Cagayan 1 Electric Cooperative) and their requirement #1 is a Building permit.  Here's how I got it: 👇👇

Disclaimer: All information on this blog is solely based on my experience. For complete and accurate details please visit your City Building Office or The City Engineering's Office.

First, what is a Building Permit?

It is a permit given by the Municipal Engineering's Office or City Building Officers to people who wants to construct or renovate a house or building. Prior to approval, they will check if you were able to meet the requirements of The National Building Code of The Philippines.

Step 1.1 Complete All Building Permit Forms 

Building permit forms

I went to the City Engineering's office to get a checklist of all the requirements and also the forms that need to be filled up like Architectural permit, Electrical Permit, Structural Permit and Sanitary Permit.

Step 1.2   Vicinity Map

I have to ask a licensed geodetic engineer to resurvey our lot and provide a vicinity map signed and sealed by him. This is one of the requirements in starting a plan. I prepared a copy of our Certificate of Title as his reference for the exact location of the lot.

Step 1.3    5 Sets of Building Plans

Next, I looked for an engineer that can create a plan for our house. Make sure that before talking to the engineer, your ideal house specifications should be final like number of rooms, toilet amd bath, location of kitchen, living room etc. even the doors. Luckily, we found a young engineer who still managed to meet our standards and more importantly who was able to do all designs that we want in our future home.  We're so thankful that we came across this guy! By the way, an architect can also layout the plan for you. I gave a copy of the vicinity map to the Engineer since its part of the building plan. Once the plan is done it should be signed and sealed on each page by a licensed engineer/architect respectively:

Tip: you can see the letters on the lower right hand side of the pages of the building plan. 

Architectural plans (A-sheets) -by Architect
Structural plans (S-sheets)- by Civil Engineer
Electrical plans (E-sheets) -by Electrical Engineer
Sanitary plans (P-sheets) -by Sanitary Engineer

Step 1.4 Bill of Materials and Specifications

Bill of Materials is a list of the Construction supplies needed for the building. It also includes the price of each item and the Total cost for the entire project. Your hired Engineer or Architect will be the one to produce this. Note: This should be signed and sealed by an Architect only.

Step 1.5 Structural Design and Analysis

Whew!  Good thing this thick, hundred page document is done, signed and sealed by my Engineer.  I honestly don't know anything about this tables with series of numbers.  😂 so,  if you have questions about this,  please contact an Engineer directly. 

Step 1.6 Barangay Clearance/Certificate

This one is easy. You just have to ask from the Barangay Hall a certification that you're residing or you have a property in the said barangay and with good moral character. I paid 100 pesos for two certificates signed and sealed by the Barangay Captain. I would suggest you to get one for the building permit and another for the electric connection permit (if you don't have any power supply yet) so you'd save time and effort. Take note: These documents are valid for a year only.

Step 1.7 Proof of Property

Since we are the owner of the lot, we have to provide the following:

• Photocopy of Transfer Certificate of Title (Titulo)
• Photocopy of tax Declaration of Property
• Photocopy of Current Tax Receipt (Amilyar)

If you're not the owner of the lot then please see the building permit checklist for the necessary documents you need to submit instead. 

Step 1.8 Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance

This clearance can be obtained through the Bureau of Fire Protection. Same thing,  they will check the building plan if it conforms to the fire safety requirements of the Fire Code of the Philippines. Once granted,  you will be given this clearance signed and sealed by the Chief and Municipal Fire Marshall.  By the way,  I paid a Fire Code Construction Tax worth 1, 217.00 pesos to get this clearance. 

Step 1.9 Zoning Clearance

For this document,  you have to go straight to the Municpal Planning and Development Coordinator's office. They will too ask requirements like photocopy of the following: Tax declaration,  Barangay clearance,  amilyar,  building plans and the official receipt from the Treasurer's office. Locational Permit Fee cost 1,000 pesos will be paid.

When I already completed all the requirements I went back to the City Engineering's office to submit my application and just follow the process. I paid around 2,000 pesos for the Building Permit Fee. (Fees may vary depending on your location, total cost of the construction and other circumstances)  After roughly two weeks,  I already received our hard-earned Building permit. Hooraayyy!!! 🎉

It's going to be tough,  but we will painstakingly go through this with the help of our beloved parents and family who are always there to back us up and of course,  thank you to our Lord Almighty for this beautiful  life!  

Ciaó for now!