Clients will often ask if their project requires a permit, they will tell me other contractors they have spoken with tell them no. There are many reasons these contractors don’t want to obtain a permit, but it never benefits the client not to get one. Some contractors ask the client to obtain the permit, again not a good idea. The permits are issued to an individual (entity) and that person is responsible for the permit and any work done under that permit. As a homeowner, you don’t want to be responsible, you are paying your contractor to complete your project, he knows the codes, and he should be held responsible to insure all work is completed according to local codes.
As a Realtor, I can tell you one of the questions you have to answer in writing when selling your home is whether any work was done on the home that requires a permit. You don’t want to sell your home only to find out after the sale a project you had completed did not meet the local code requirements and possibly be held responsible to your buyer.
Below, please find a list of projects that require a permit. This may not be a complete list, you should always check with your local building department prior to starting any project.
- Accessory structures – Gazebos, pool houses, carports, detached garages, greenhouses and storage sheds are examples (Storage sheds less than 120 Sq. Ft. of floor area are normally exempt)
- Additions to existing buildings
- Air Conditioners (New or Replacement)
- Arbors
- Awnings
- Bathroom remodels
- Demolition of structures or pools
- Driveways encroaching on public right-of-way (Check With Your Local Engineering Department)
- Drywall/Sheet Rock
- Interior remodel and installation of partition walls
- Electrical Work – new, repair or replacement
- Replacement of exterior doors
- Fences & gates (Check With Your Local Planning Division)
- Fireplace/Chimney Repair
- Furnaces (New or Replacement)
- Gas Lines
- Generators
- Kitchen remodels
- New Buildings of any kind or size
- Patio Covers
- Photo-voltaic Systems
- Plumbing Work (New, Repair or Replacement)
- Relocating Buildings/Structures
- Repairs, additions or remodeling of existing structures
- Re-Roofing of existing structures
- Retaining walls
- Satellite dishes and ham radio antennas
- Siding (Replacement or New)
- Sidewalks encroaching on public right-of-way (Check With Your Local Engineering Department)
- Stucco or Plastering
- Swimming pools, hot tubs and spas
- Tile (Tubs and showers)
- Temporary Power Poles
- Trellises
- Water heaters (New or Replacement)
- Wells
- Window Replacement
Projects that may not require a permit
- Cabinet replacement
- Painting
- Wallpaper
- Flooring replacement
- Counter replacement
Keep in mind, if you are doing a kitchen remodel for instance, yes you are replacing cabinets and counters, no permit required, but you normally change out the sink, garbage disposal, faucet, new outlets, new appliances, drywall repair, etc., all require permits. If you have any questions, please call and let us guide you through the proper channels in completion of your project.
Baccaro Construction is a premier “Design and Build” contractor with NKBA certified kitchen and bath designers, working with our clients from the initial “Wish List” to setting the final finishing nail. If you are ready for your first free consultation, call us.
If you have any specific questions or suggestions for future posts, please contact me at Peter@baccaroconstruction.com.