FAQ – Do I need to get a building permit to do this?

 

It is important that your home improvement project be done properly, with building permits. Building permits allow the inspection of the work being done by the man thinking about a building permit.contractor, and provide a level of comfort to the property owner, that things are being done correctly.

 

This is going to depend on: Where the improvement is located and What is being done.

 

The requirements for getting a permit varies with the location, contacting the city, county, or town where the job is being performed is the best place to get the answer. If you are building a house, you will need a building permit. If you are painting a few rooms, most building departments do not require any permits. But there are many exceptions to the rules.

 


Here is a list of projects that probably require a building permit in your area.


  • Room additions
  • Decks and patios
  • Window replacements
  • Garage conversions
  • Reroofing
  • Siding
  • Water heater replacements
  • Swimming pools
  • Shower/Tub enclosures
  • Fireplaces
  • Skylights
  • Large sheds
  • Fireplace inserts
  • Water and sewer services
  • New building construction


 Here is a list of projects that probably do not require a building permit in your area.

 

 

concrete repair completed

  • Storage sheds less than 100 square feet in floor space.
  • Fences under 6 feet tall
  • Retaining walls under 4 feet high (including the footing)
  • Platforms or walkways less than 30 inches above ground
  • Painting
  • Wallpapering

 

These are just general requirements in most areas; your local building department will have the final answer in this matter. They can be contacted directly by phone or e-mail.

It is important that your home improvement project be done properly, with building permits. Building permits allow the inspection of the work being done by the contractor, and provide a level of comfort to the property owner, that things are being done correctly.

 

 


 


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12 Comments on FAQ – Do I need to get a building permit to do this?

MAY
27
226,884 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks for sharing - I am constantly amazed when I see room additions done/square footage added without permits - a good way for a homeowner not to get value for their home improvement when selling.
8:06am • #1
1,117,073 Points 117 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Tom this is a great FAQ post!  I didn't know about some of the things that need a permit. I imagine it's pretty much the same in most states.  I'll have to find out what AZ requires.  Enjoy the holiday!
8:25am • #2
780,962 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Getting a building permit may seem troublesome and even a needless step. All too often we see how important the permit is.

I would strongly suggest getting one if it is required David.
5:23pm • #3
780,962 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Great to hear from you today Anna, thanks for the kind words.

You are right, most states, cities, and counties all have very similar requirements; it's best just to check and make sure.
5:25pm • #4
230,369 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Too many people try these home projects without the proper permits.  When they go to sell the property, the truth will come out and they will pay for it at that time.  Much better to do it correctly with proper permits in the beginning.
11:58pm • #5
MAY
28
590,918 Points 99 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

GOOD MORNING TOM!  Good list - and one that I see more and more requiring permits is electrical work!
7:23am • #6
570,707 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Tom - Good advice.  I tell people that you definitely need a permit if you are removing a wall, adding or rerouting electricity, plumbing or gas lines, and may need a permit for a number of other improvements.  And I always urge them to contact the county to see if their project needs a permit, because work done without a permit might need to be taken out.
2:53pm • #7
780,962 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

You are right Doug, let's just do this stuff right the first time.
10:26pm • #8
780,962 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

It's great that more and more people are comfortable with making changes to electrical systems, it can be done. Why not get it permited?

The thing with electricity is that it can do harm if not done correctly - fire, shock, equipment failure.

Thanks for the comment Gabrielle.
10:26pm • #9
780,962 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I have been called in to correct some of these projects, "retro-fixing" can be more expensive than the original work Susan.
10:28pm • #10
JUN
20
475,273 Points 12 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Tom, thanks for creating this handy list! A few months ago I had my hot water heater replaced.  When the city inspector arrived, he shared that Dallas inspectors are being told to "casually check other work that may have been done without a permit."  Interesting.  Home owners can still do the work themselves without a permit here.  How about in your neck of the woods?
8:07am • #11
780,962 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks Sharon for question.

There are things that a homeowner can do that others can not, I do not think avoiding a permit is one of them. I do know that a homeowner can ask as his own contractor without a contractors license!

Great to hear how things are done in other parts of the country.
7:43pm • #12


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