With so many rules and considerations, it can be easy to decide to simply avoid the whole permit issue for your home renovation project altogether. While some projects do not require a building permit, many do. Knowing which ones will require permits ahead of time can save you from a LOT of trouble later on in the project. 

While it is true that different counties and cities can have different permit requirements, there are some universal consistencies that you can learn about and appreciate in greater detail.

The Truth About Building Permits

In many situations, you’re dealing with officials and offices that are designed to better serve commercial interests. This can be frustrating, but it speaks to the fact that commercial interests and projects make up for the majority of permit requests. It can be challenging on your end to find a straightforward path towards getting the permits require. It can feel as though you are walking into one brick wall after another.

Do you even need to bother? Well, that generally depends on what your renovation project is going to impact. If you’re just buying some furniture, you probably won’t have anything to worry about. However, if your project requirements touch on safety, plumbing changes, electrical changes, or anything that might impact natural gas, you will probably need to get your permits in order.

Again, this can be stressful, but there is a lot you can do to make things simpler.

At What Point Do I Need To Start Thinking About Permits?

Let’s break down this question by specific projects. Again, different locales may have differing rules. Remember to double check anything covered here as it pertains to your area. You should also find out where and how to contact the appropriate offices when the time comes. 

Here are a few examples of when residential permits are likely required:

• Taking down any loadbearing walls in your home
• Changing the roofline of your roof
• Any deck that is more than thirty inches above the grade
• Building any garage or carport
• Any door, window, or skylight that will require you to create a new opening
• Any new water heater installation project
• If your project impacts the sewer line in any form or fashion, you are probably going to need a permit.

Here are some examples of when residential permits might be required:

• Replacing any door or window
• Cutting down/removing a large tree from the property
• Moving your sink

Finally, here are a few examples of projects in which permits are rarely required: 

• Laying your new roof
• Any interior painting or exterior painting project
• Decks below the limits we mentioned above
• Fencing projects of a certain height
• Any appliance installation that does not make changes to gas, water, or electrical lines.

To reiterate, make sure you have a clear idea of permits required for what you plan to do in the area in which you live. A professional drafting service can conceive of every aspect of your project. This includes making sure your permit matters are properly handled.

(Syndicated press content is neither written, edited or endorsed by ED Times)