What do you need permits for when doing a remodel?
When it comes to remodeling, there is more involved than purchasing supplies, making plans, and then either doing the work yourself or finding someone to help you complete your project. Often, you will need a building permit from the city when you are doing a remodel.
Building permits are in place to help ensure that your remodeling projects meet the codes and requirements that will later pass inspection. It also states that you will only use qualified and licensed workers to do the more vital aspects of your remodel that could prove a hazard if done incorrectly, such as rewiring.
Not every remodel will need a permit. Any type of work that is strictly cosmetic won't require a permit, so if you're repainting your house or putting in a new faucet in the kitchen, you won't need permits.
The following are some of the things you will need permits for when doing a remodel:
- Adding rooms or other structural additions to your home, such as a garage.
- Removing or tearing down walls
- Installing any kind of appliance, fan, or vent that requires ventilation
- Installing any type of electrical device or wiring, or converting electricity from a fuse to circuit breakers
- Building decks, fences, or sheds outside
- Replacing water heaters or changing plumbing, or any type of remodel that requires you to move your existing plumbing
- Cutting or widening new or existing door and window openings
- Tearing off an existing roof
- Replacing the roof
- Building stairwells
- Finishing basements or garages
- Installing or replacing a driveway
- Replacing water or sewer lines
- Installing irrigation or sprinkler systems
- Building a swimming pool or tennis court in your yard
- Installing fireplaces or wood stoves
Each city and county has different requirements when it comes to what remodeling projects require building permits, so it's best to check with your city before doing any serious remodeling projects. If you remodel without a permit when one is required, you could end up having to make costly repairs if you don't pass inspection or if you try and sell your home and your projects are not up to code.
When obtaining a building or remodel permit for your projects, make sure you get them in your name. Many times, the contractor doing the work for a major remodel will get the permit in his name. This can be problematic, however, if you end up changing contractors in the middle of the project or if the contractor quits for one reason or another. If this happens and the building permit is in his name rather than yours, you will have to pay for another one.
Make sure you follow all instructions regarding your permits, or you could also face problems when it comes to inspections. For example, if you are finishing a basement and have it wired, many times your wiring will need to be inspected before you install the drywall. The same goes with plumbing.
When it comes to remodeling permits, not all of the projects you undertake around your home and property will require a permit. Major structural work or anything requiring a contractor will typically need a permit, as well as anything requiring major electrical or plumbing work. Check with your city's requirements before beginning anything to be on the safe
Like this article? Then Digg It
or
add it to your Del.icio.us Bookmarks!
Tags: remodeling permits when do you need a permit building permits remodeling permit requirements
