When Do You Need a Permit for a Home Remodel?

You’ve scoured the internet. You’ve made your wish list. And now you’re ready to jump into that big remodel you’ve been dreaming about.

But there’s one step you may have missed.

Did you get a permit?

Most home improvements, including many DIY projects, require a permit from either your city or county government. Because the exact list varies from one location to another, you should always check with your local building department to be sure. The permit approval process can take up to six weeks, so you’ll need to factor that in when setting a timeline for your project.

Let’s go over the types of projects that typically do and don’t require a permit. The cost of getting a permit can range from as little as $20 to as much as $1,500, depending on where you live and the specific project you’re planning. However, the consequences of neglecting this important step are often much more expensive than that.

Projects that Typically Require a Permit

Projects that most often require permits are those that affect the structure of your home or surrounding property. Here are some examples most likely to fall into that category.

Home additions: Any project that expands or alters the building envelope, such as adding a new garage or carport, will need a permit. Converting an old garage into an office would also need approval.
Removing or adding walls: Before you swing that hammer to take out a loadbearing wall, get a permit first. Some jurisdictions also require a permit for taking out non-loadbearing walls.
Updating or finishing a basement: Basement projects often involve many code requirements, such as those related to electrical wiring, furnaces or other mechanical equipment.
Replacement windows or doors: Your local building department will want to ensure that new doors and windows match the proper dimensions. You may also be required to use specific materials or meet aesthetic requirements.
Electrical or plumbing updates: If you’re installing new wiring or moving outlets, get it approved. Any project that includes new plumbing supply or drain lines, or that involves work on sewer lines, will also need a permit.
Installing a gas stove: As with electrical and plumbing systems, projects that include work on gas lines will require a permit and a licensed plumber to ensure safety.
Building a fence or retaining wall: Most localities require a permit for new fences over a designated height. Your fence may have to meet standards such as height, materials or appearance. Retaining walls over four feet tall must be pre-approved to reduce the risk of collapse.
Roofing work: If you’re adding a new roof or just patching up a section, check with your local building department first. Work that involves sheathing, change of pitch, change of material or addition of a skylight will need a permit.
Building a shed: Some locations may let you build a shed without a permit if it falls below certain size limits, or if it doesn’t include electrical or plumbing work. In most other instances, you will need pre-approval.
Building a deck: If your proposed deck is more than 30 inches tall it will most likely require a permit. In some locations, a deck that is below 30 inches may not need one.

Finally, your project will require a permit if any of the work will take place in a public right-of-way such as a nearby street or sidewalk. An example would be placing a temporary, roll-off dumpster on the street outside your home while the work is in progress.

Projects that May Not Need a Permit

Projects that don’t require a permit tend to be purely cosmetic and don’t affect the structure of the building. Here are some examples.

Painting: You don’t need a permit to add a fresh coat of paint to interior or exterior walls.
Replacing a bathtub or sink: As long as your new sink or tub will be in the same location and connect to existing plumbing lines, you likely don’t need a permit.
Minor electrical work: This would include replacing an old light fixture with a more up-to-date model.
Cosmetic kitchen or bathroom updates: Good examples of non-structural changes include changing faucets, replacing countertops or switching out cabinet doors.
Installing storm windows: These can be installed over existing windows for added insulation.
New flooring: This is another change that offers aesthetic benefits without structural changes.
New siding: As long as it’s non-structural in design, you can usually replace outdated siding without getting a permit.

What Happens if You Remodel Without a Permit?

Many people are tempted to skip the permitting process because it seems like a hassle. But the consequences of completing an unpermitted project are often much higher than taking the time to get it right the first time.

You may have to pay a fine: If unpermitted work is discovered on your property, you may be fined as much as $500 or more per day. This can quickly add up to thousands more than the cost of the initial permitting fee.
You may have to demolish the work: In some instances you may be allowed to simply halt work on a project until you obtain proper permitting rights. In others you may be required to actually demolish already-completed work. If you still wanted to complete the project you would then have to start over from scratch after getting a permit.
You may void your homeowner’s insurance: Suppose your home sustains wind damage after you’ve completed unpermitted work. Your lack of a permit may be grounds for your insurer to deny your claim and could potentially void your policy.
Your house may become harder to sell: You are required by law to disclose any prior renovations to future buyers. If any of that work was unpermitted, you may have to obtain a permit retroactively and the prospective buyer may walk away.
You risk your safety: Remember, the purpose of a permit is to ensure that your project meets minimum safety and zoning standards. Unpermitted work may be of lower quality and present unnecessary hazards.

When in Doubt, Check It Out

As noted above, your best bet when planning any home remodel is to check on permitting first. Many city and county governments have a local building department website that tells you what projects require permits and how to obtain one. If you still have questions, contact your local permitting office, tell them about your project and follow their instructions.

Once you’re ready to select materials and tools for your project, Mid-City Lumber has everything you need. We offer a wide selection of quality lumber and other supplies from reputable manufacturers, and our friendly staff is here to answer any questions you have.

Drop by any of our locations or reach out to us online at any time!