Home renovation permits are issued by the local building department. They ensure that a building inspector has reviewed their home improvement plans and complies with local building codes and ordinances. Basically, it's your guarantee that the project is code-compliant and built correctly. Here are some basic aspects of the permit obtaining process and some major projects that generally require a permit from the local construction department.
Local municipalities issue permits according to city ordinances. Because there are no federal or state regulations, building codes vary from city to city. The only way to know if your city requires a permit for remodeling work is to visit their website or call. Even the smallest rules and regulations can interfere with your construction.
It's up to you to ensure that the proposed construction complies with local ordinances and conventions. Renovating an entire home is a major renovation, and if you're making structural, electrical, or plumbing changes, such as adding a new bathroom, you'll likely need a building permit. Include the time and costs of permits before building, even if your project is just a renovation or extension. You'll generally need several additional permissions for different systems if you're building a new home.
If you put your house up for sale, it is very likely that the lending bank will not advance your loan if it learns that the remodeling works were carried out without obtaining the necessary permits. If you want to put your house on the market and increase its selling price, you may decide to increase the value by doing some renovation and remodeling projects. If you hire a licensed contractor, he should know if the work requires a permit, but as the homeowner, it's your responsibility to ensure that all remodeling is completed legally. If your home renovations require a permit, but you don't get one, the municipal building inspector can issue an order to suspend the work being carried out and you may be fined.
Of course, a building permit is needed if you're building or remodeling a home, and you'll need to submit your plans for approval to the local code office. It's easy to unleash your imagination and creativity when you're planning to build the house of your dreams, or when you're planning a renovation or extension to your home.
