| What do most homeowners ask when planning home | | | | confirm with local authorities whether a permit is |
| renovation? One of the major concerns confronting | | | | required or not:o Building a small detached structure |
| homeowners is whether a building permit is required | | | | such as shed and decko Building perimeter fenceo |
| or not when doing home renovation. This concern | | | | Complete renovation of a roomo Modifying a partition |
| seems to be a pretty simple issue that has a fairly | | | | wall |
| straightforward answer, but this is not the case. The | | | | Even with this partial list, it is pretty obvious that |
| issue is not as simple as it may seem. The | | | | there are a lot of grey areas. Will you need a permit |
| requirement for building permit will depend on your | | | | if you are installing vapor and insulation barriers? It all |
| location, the type of renovation that you are planning | | | | depends on your location. There are certain |
| to undertake and even what you do to earn a living. | | | | jurisdictions that require permit for such jobs while |
| There are certain locations that will require building | | | | others allow them without permit. There are places |
| permit for all types of home renovations and repairs | | | | that permit is required if the project involves |
| beyond painting, while there are other areas that are | | | | upgrading of plumbing and electrical installations to |
| less rigid and allow extensive repair jobs without | | | | current code requirements. |
| permits. There are also specific jurisdictions where | | | | In most cases, permit is not required if you are doing |
| you have to get a building permit when building a | | | | general or routine maintenance. For instance, building |
| deck that is attached to your home but will not | | | | permit is not required if you are simply replacing your |
| require one if it is a deck that is free-standing or | | | | siding, eaves trough or roof shingles. Similarly, you will |
| attached to your shed and garage. There are even | | | | not need a permit if you are replacing an existing |
| areas where businesses and farmers are exempt | | | | fence or deck. This same rule applies if you are |
| from needing building permits for the same projects | | | | replacing windows and doors, bathroom and kitchen |
| where homeowners are required to have one. | | | | fixtures as well as your flooring materials. |
| The main challenge when it comes to building permits | | | | The rule of thumb in determining whether you need |
| is the lack of standard rule that is applicable for all | | | | a permit or not is that when you are in doubt, you |
| locations. Thus, it is important for you to determine | | | | must consult with the agency that issues the building |
| the existing regulations that are applicable in your | | | | permits. A quick phone call is all that is needed for |
| area before commencing with the home repair or | | | | you to confirm with the authorized agency whether |
| renovation. | | | | a permit is required or not. |
| Here are some typical circumstances where building | | | | In most instances, you will have to consult with the |
| permit is required:o Altering or modifying your | | | | planning agency that has jurisdiction over your place |
| supporting wall or home exterioro Renovating your | | | | of residence. They are the best persons who can |
| roof lineo Building additional structure that is attached | | | | give you a rundown of specific jobs that require |
| to your homeo Constructing a large detached | | | | building permits. It is essential that you consult with |
| structureo Installing a new plumbing or electrical | | | | the proper agency before you start drawing up your |
| Here are some of the situations where you need to | | | | renovation plan. |