What To Know Before You Build

Building a retail complex, hospital, school, or church? Larger project or small, the construction process is much easier once some basic facts and parameters are identified. Save time. Avoid planning indecision. Get more accurate cost estimates, time lines, engineering and architectural designs by providing contractors with the following information.

If you need assistance in filling in any of the information below, call Altmann Construction. Our experienced project managers are available to guide you in gathering the planning information you need:

1. A general description of the purpose of your new building.
2. Realistic budget guidelines.
3. If you do not have a formal building plan yet, list the general design requirements of your new structure:

A) Size of building to fit your needs.
B) Number of floors. Will your building require a basement?
C) Type of a roof. Examples: Flat, pitched, shingled, metal, rubber, etc.
D) Exterior materials you prefer. Examples: wood, brick, metal, block, stone, etc.
E) Number of bathrooms needed.
F) A description or function of the rooms you require. Examples: lunchroom, offices etc.
G) Other special features that are important you. Examples: Floor construction, computer cabling etc.

4. A general description of the building site.

A) Special features of your lot.
B) Type of soil under the building site.
C) Are there wetlands on your lot?

5. Approximate date the building must be ready to occupy.
6. Material storage areas on site. Is there space to store masonry sand, extra lumber, job trailers, etc., during construction?
7. Additional details not specified existing plans, specifications, or shop drawings, such as an overhead crane.
8. Water and power outlets. Are there any special power or water needs for your facility?
9. Filing for permits in Wisconsin.** Wisconsin requires the following permits/approvals for new structures, others may also be required in special situations:

A) If your building is over 50,000 cubic-feet, or your addition is larger than 25,000 cubic-feet, you need to submit a building plan to the s state for approval. The plan needs to be filed through the State of Wisconsin, Department of Commerce.
B) Filing your local building permit depends on where your facility is located, in a city, township or village. Procedures vary for filing permits with municipalities. For general direction, contact your city clerk.
C) A zoning permit must be filed with your county planning and zoning department.
D) And, a sanitary permit also must be filed with your county planning and zoning department.

** Filing permits varies from state-to-state. To find out about requirements in other states, check with the local county planning and zoning department where you plan to build.



Altmann Construction Company, Inc., Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Office: (715) 421-2550, Toll Free WI only: (800) 828-3249
www.altmannconstruction.com