Remodeling and renovating your home can raise its market value. Adding a trendy design to the bathroom or installing new cabinets in the kitchen can pique the interest of buyers and boost your home’s sales price. 

Indeed, making some home improvements can be beneficial. But before you carry out the renovation or remodeling plan, you must consider if it requires a building permit. There are property improvement projects looking like minor job but still need a permit from your municipality. 

Take note of this list of  home improvement projects that need a building permit and how to acquire this document from the local government. 

How to Get a Building Permit

Local governments issue a building according to ordinances. Different cities or municipalities may vary in their building codes. Contact your local building department through its website or phone call to know if your home improvement project requires a permit. You can also ask a licensed contractor about it because they have expertise on this matter. 

Making sure that your remodeling or renovation work is lawful is crucial. Failing to acquire a permit may stall your home improvement plan or complicate the sale of the property. Some homeowners sidestep the building permit process because it means additional expenses. But the consequence of failing to get a permit can be even more expensive and problematic. 

The cost of securing a permit is 1% of the total home improvement expenses in some municipalities. There are inspections before the municipality issues a building permit, which can take about six weeks. 

Home Improvement Projects That Require a Permit

There are categories to building permits. These may include structural, mechanical, and electrical changes. It's crucial to draw up plans in compliance with local ordinances and building codes before securing these permits. 

Since renovations will alter the home structure, authorities need to ensure that the property can support the project you’re planning to do. Major projects such as adding a deck, garage, or bedroom is very likely to require a permit. Any work that alters the existing support of the property also needs an authorization.

These are other renovation or remodeling works which may require you to obtain a permit from your local authorities. 

• Electrical and plumbing. If you remove an existing plumbing or install a new one, you may need a permit before you can carry out the job. Acquiring a permit is also required for electrical works like moving an outlet or installing a new electrical item. 

• New window hole or doorway. You don’t need a building permit to replace an existing window, but you have to get one if you’re planning to cut a hole for a new window. The same is true for a new doorway or skylight project. 

• Fences. Your local building department may impose height restrictions on fences. In some cities. Homeowners need to secure a permit for fences that are five feet or or more in height. Coordinate with local building authorities to ensure that your fencing plan comply with the local building code. 

• Water heater. Upgrading a water heater or replacing an existing one may also need a permit in some cities and municipalities. The authorization ensures the correct installation of the water heater and addresses potential safety issues. 

• Siding projects. Replacing a broken exterior siding or changing its material may require a permit in some cities in the United States. 

• Re-roofing. Fixing your roof, replacing it with a new material, or extending need a building permit. 

• Demolition. Building codes will require a building permit if you demolish a section of your property or the entirety of it. 

• Total cost. Some local building authorities also need a permit for remodeling or renovation works that exceed a certain amount. 

Renovations That Don’t Need a Permit

Some renovation plans to your house may not require you to secure a permit. These are pretty minor home improvement projects, such as:

• Adding a new wallpaper or paint job

• Adding new built-in cabinets

• Installing a carpet or hardwood flooring

• Installing new countertops or replacing the design of the old one

• Installing a new faucet

• Electrical works that don’t involve moving existing outlet or adding new service

• Any interior changes that don’t involve altering or changing the structure of the property

Takeaway

It’s crucial to know if your home improvement projects are lawful or not. In this case, you should hire a licensed contractor and contact your local building department. Failing to acquire a permit for your home remodeling or renovation work can give you troubles, such as stopping your project or canceling the home sale. 

Major renovation projects that alter the structural arrangement of the property may likely require a permit. For minor home improvement jobs, you need to go through the hassle of getting a permit from your local building department. Make sure to research this matter if you’re planning to make some improvements to your home.