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 
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.
- 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.
Comments(16)