Are you risking a fine with your home project? Expert contractors reveal how to check if you need a permit – plus 17 surprising upgrades that need permission

It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of a home project, but before starting any construction, it's imperative to determine if you need a permit for any of the work. Failing to obtain the proper permissions can result in fines, project delays, or even the dire requirement to undo the completed work.

Here, our panel of professional contractors explain how to know if your project requires a permit, and reveal 17 common projects you need permission for. This will help ensure your work is compliant with vital building codes and avoid expensive renovation mistakes.

How to know if you need a permit for a home project

Caroline Grieco, principal architect at MAEVE Architecture explains, ‘Typically, any work other than 'repair' work requires a permit. Check your town's website for links to local code descriptions of 'ordinary maintenance'. When the project includes major alterations like removing or relocating walls, it's typically required for homeowners to hire an architect to evaluate the structure of the home and create a drawing to be included in the permit application.'

Working out if your home project needs a permit or not is a tip to consider before a remodel, and long before planning where to spend and where to save in a remodel. Without the right documents, your project should not go ahead and may work out to be costly and disappointing in the long run.

Caroline adds, ‘In many states, only licensed contractors can apply for permits, for example, only a licensed electrician can apply for an electrical permit. Local municipalities will require a fee for permits, but those fees are used to pay inspectors to review the contractor's work for code compliance. Permits are a necessary step to keep your home safe during and after construction.’

Sabrina Phillips, longtime contractor and owner of Designing Women of OC concurs, adding, ‘The rule of thumb is that if the work alters the structure, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems of a home, technically that would require a permit. If you're unsure, have a budget, and want to save time, hiring a professional is always the safest bet since they will handle any needed permits for you.'

Common projects that need a permit

Glenn Gault, CEO at Gault Heating & Cooling warns, ‘Most people don’t realize that even small changes – like adding attic insulation or replacing a gas line for a new stove – can require a permit. For example here in Ohio, where we are based, most projects on the outside of your home require a zoning certificate, even things like window and door replacement.’

The home renovation projects that require permits will vary massively depending on the state you live in. That being said, Gio Capolongo, homes expert and code violation remediator at Violation Clinic shares several common projects typically require approval across the country, some of which may surprise you:

1. Window replacements
2. Fence installations
3. Replacing or building a deck
4. Roof replacements
5. Water heater installation
6. Garage conversions
7. Adding or moving electrical outlets
8. Anything to do with retaining walls or load-bearing walls
9. New driveways or expanding existing ones
10. Basement finishing
11. Demolitions
12. Installing a shed or detached structures
13. Solar panels
14. Swimming pool ideas and hot tubs
15. Egress window installation

Ryan Meagher, business development manager at BMV Contracting adds, ‘Adding plumbing fixtures is another common surprise for homeowners, especially if you are on a septic system, it is important to ensure that the septic system can support the additional plumbing fixtures. Additionally, whenever you complete electrical work it is always a good idea to pull an electrical permit and have the work completed and/or inspected by a master electrician.’

When to apply for permits

To renovate a house successfully, Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy warns, ‘I would recommend applying for a permit well before you’re due to start work since any delays could impact your timeline and become problematic if you’re working with a contractor or trying to get a project done within a certain season or time frame.’

Most of the time, when working with a contractor, they will apply for and acquire the permits you need for you, taking some of the stress out of your pre-renovation checklist. To be sure, include permits on your list of questions to ask a contractor before hiring them. Carr continues, ‘I do think it doesn’t hurt to check this out yourself – I’ve heard some horror stories about homeowners working with less than reputable contractors and running into permit issues.’

When finding good contractors for your next project, their history with permits should play a key role in your decision making.

Meet the experts

Caroline Maeve Grieco

Caroline Maeve Grieco has over 13 years of professional architectural experience in New York and new Jersey, and is currently adjunct professor at Pratt Institute where she is currently teaching courses focused on design and integration of Building Information Modelling technology.

She is a registered architect and a LEED Accredited professional .

Sabrina Phillips

Sabrina Phillips, is a General Contractor, ASID Interior Designer, and a former Broker Realtor and Color forecaster for Sherwin Williams.

Sabrina originally started designing doctor's offices in 1986, then moved into residential design in 1991. To date, she has designed everything from kitchens to entire homes worth over $10 million.

Glenn Gault

Glenn Gault is the current custodian of Gault Heating & Cooling, a family-owned business established in 1955 by his father. He brings decades of HVAC experience to the table,

FAQs

Who is responsible for pulling permits?

In many states, it is a contractor's responsibility to acquire the correct permits for a project they have been hired to complete, with some states only giving permits to licensed professionals. That being said, it is vital as the homeowner that you check these permits to ensure everything is above board and ready to proceed before allowing workers into your home.

When sourcing quality contractors for your home projects, consider using a service such as Sears Homes Services, a platform to help you find the right workmen for the job, including appliance repair experts, HVAC professionals, and professional cleaners.

Can a contractor get in trouble for not pulling a permit?

Contractors can get in serious trouble for failing to acquire the necessary permits for a project, but they are not the only ones at risk. As the homeowner, you can also be fined for not checking for the correct documentation before the project begins. This also leaves you liable should anyone be injured during the project, too.

Sabrina Phillips, contractor, concludes, ‘The safety risks and potential fines from the city far outweigh the low cost of getting that permit. Additionally, If you ever try to sell your home, having unpermitted additions or major changes can affect appraisal values, scare off potential buyers, and potentially tank that highest and best offer from a buyer.’