Which Home Improvement Projects Require a Permit?

When it’s time to remodel or make improvements to your home, you may wonder whether you need a permit. For many projects, having a permit from the city government is crucial because the changes to your home go on record with the city, and it ensures inspectors will check for any red flags. For example, if you rewire your home incorrectly, there could be exposed wires, potential for short circuiting and electrocution.

This could lead to extensive repairs like wiring your home again, which could cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Also when you try to sell or refinance your home, buyers and lenders want to know that your remodels comply with building codes, so you need to have proof via the permits from the city.

How do you determine which remodels and renovations require permits? Most contractors will know ahead of time, but it’s good for a homeowner to be aware and avoid fraud or future repairs. The general rule of thumb is that structural, electrical, plumbing or mechanical work will require a permit, but here’s more information:

Remodeling with a Permit

When speaking with a general contractor about permits, here are some projects that will always require one or more:

• Fencing Installation or Repair: When you install or repair a fence, it’s important to check with your city to see if there is a height restriction. Some cities and even suburbs have certain heights that fences can’t go past. Be sure to have a fencing contractor check about such restrictions to avoid having to cut the fence or take it down after installation.
• Window Installations: When you install new windows that are bigger than your old windows, a permit is required to cut holes for them. This will also include cutting holes for skylights and new doors with windows, so a window professional will need to acquire those permits.
• Plumbing and Electrical Work: When installing or replacing plumbing, you will most likely need a permit. The same rule applies when installing or replacing electrical wiring, whether it’s an outlet, switch, ceiling fan or overhead lighting. The cases where you won’t need a permit include smaller projects like repairs and light fixture installations.
• Structural Changes: When you make any kind of structural changes to your home, the contractor will need to get a permit. This may include changes to the load-bearing walls, balconies, decks, porches, roofs or foundation flooring.
• Heating Maintenance: If you replace the water heater, the heating contractor you’ve hired to do the work will need to get a permit. Changes to the ventilation system, gas and wood fireplaces and ducts will also require a permit. This does not include filter changes, motor lubrication or equipment cleaning.
• Additions and Remodels: Additions, new construction, remodels, repairs, replacements, upgrades and any other additions and remodeling projects totaling $5,000 or more will require a permit. This will include detached structures like garages, sheds and platforms. Exceptions to this rule include construction that’s less than 200 square feet, as well as painting, carpeting and wallpaper.

Renovating Without a Permit

There will be some projects that won’t require a permit ahead of time, like small plumbing and electrical projects. Other projects you can do without a permit include:

• Painting and wallpapering
• Installing flooring like hardwood, carpeting, linoleum or vinyl tile
• Minor electrical repairs
• Installing new countertops
• Installing or replacing a faucet
• Landscaping work

Read more at Redfin Real Estate Blog

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