So you have decided to remodel your house and have so many ideas on your mind. However, there are so many things to consider, other than money and material. One of those issues is whether or not you will need a permit for your remodeling projects? It seems difficult for homeowners to wrap their heads around the fact that even some smaller home improvement project will require some sort of permit, but in most of the cases that is true. Of course, the requirements for a permit will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but there is some common ground for all the localities.
Projects that Definitely Require a Permit
Regardless of your locality, some projects are so demanding and are changing your home so much, that you will surely need to acquire a permit, should you decide to remodel.
- Demolishing a load-bearing wall: Because a load-bearing wall supports the weight of trusses for the roof or the weight of the floor above, demolishing it would imply that you need to provide some alternate method of supporting that weight.
- Plumbing and electrical work: Installing or replacing electrical wiring or plumbing always requires a permit, except when it comes to smaller alterations, such as light fixture installations or some repairs.
- Window installations: If you are installing windows that are bigger than the ones you previously had, you will need to get a permit for cutting holes for them. This also applies to skylights and new doors. New windows (especially energy-efficient ones) make a great upgrade if you are expecting a larger income from your investment home.
- Heating systems: Replacing the water heater and altering ventilation system, ducts and fireplaces almost always requires a permit. You will not need the municipality approval for motor lubrication, equipment cleaning and changing the filters.
- Roofing: Pulling a permit for roofing is always necessary, especially when you are repairing an area greater than 500 square feet. If you ever decide to sell, you will need to give that permit to the buyer along with the other documents to make the eventual wholesaling the real estate much easier.
- Building an addition: When your house seem too small for you and you decide to build an additional bathroom, extra storage space, a laundry room, etc. before you start with the works, you should always pull a permit.
- Garage conversion: When the conversion requires some significant changes, such as wiring, plumbing, heating, cooling and replacing the door, you should check for the permit requirements.
- Other structural changes: Other structural renovations for which you should obtain a permit are changes to the porches, balconies, decks and foundation flooring.
Projects that Might Require a Permit
Now, there are some other projects that might require a permit, depending on the location and on their specifics.
- Fencing installation or repair: You might need a permit for this project if there are height restrictions in the city. In New York City, for instance, fences over 6 feet high are regulated by the rules of the Department of Buildings.
- Demolishing a non-load bearing wall: Even though this project will not make any kind of structural changes, you should check for additional information with your contractor or at your local permitting office.
- Cutting down a tree: Although it makes little sense for the city to forbids you from cutting down a tree in your own backyard, but if you property is located at environmentally fragile place (woodlands, wetlands, etc.), you should definitely check for the needed permits.
- Other projects that might require a permit are moving a sink, laying in a new roof, putting hard wood flooring, etc.
Sure, with most of these projects, you can ignore the needed permits and hope you will not get caught, but be aware that, if you do get caught, you can end up struggling with fines and penalties.
