Most major construction or renovation projects require obtaining a building permit. However, because not every project requires a permit, it can be difficult to know if your particular plans require one. Here is a simple guide to help you determine if you need a permit:
You will likely need a building permit for:
- Demolishing any walls or structures. This includes interior and exterior walls, as well as separate structures like free-standing garages.
- Changing or replacing the pipes in your home. Building permits are required for major plumbing projects to ensure the work is done correctly and safely.
- Re-roofing your house.
- Converting a garage into a living room or similar projects. Changing the major use of a room often requires changes to plumbing and electrical systems, which always requires a building permit.
You don’t usually need a permit for:
- Repainting the outside of your house.
- Replacing minor kitchen appliances.
- Replacing kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
- Installing new flooring.
- Building a small fence in your yard.
How to get a build permit
There are multiple steps to obtain a building permit for any of the above scenarios. Here is a basic guide to the permit process:
- Download or obtain a permit application from the local permit office for the specific project you’re planning.
- Prepare a site plan. You may need an architect or other contractor to help you draw the plans.
- Schedule an appointment for plan approval. The timing for this part of the process can vary depending on the extent and type of your project.
- Once you obtain your permit, you’ll need to schedule one or more inspections during the process. These inspections make sure you’re following the agreed-upon project plan.
- Once your project is completed, all that’s left is to get final city approval.
This is only a basic guide to building permits for major home projects. For a thorough list of the proper permits, consult a contractor or construction professional for details regarding your specific project and plans.
About the Author
Carolyn Kay
As a Real Estate professional, I specialize in helping my clients buy, rent or sell properties in Westchester County. I am passionate, dedicated and committed to my clients and my first priority is to provide them with first class service and guidance throughout the entire process. It has been said that I go above and beyond for my clients to get the deal closed! I have experience working with clients who have financed their purchases with either a conventional, VA or FHA loan and have a good understanding of how they work; no sale is too big or too small for me to take on. My family and I relocated to England for 2 ½ years, this was a wonderful experience but at the same time, it was overwhelming. I have first hand knowledge of the challenges as well as the positives in discovering a new community. I was born and raised in Scarsdale and once married, my husband and I decided to raise our two daughters here. Both of our daughters successfully graduated from the Scarsdale schools and are both married, living and working in Manhattan. After living in the same house for 30 years my husband and I took the leap, sold our home and bought and renovated a condo townhouse in another town. Once again we are discovering a new community and fully understand the highs and lows of selling a home we loved and buying and making a new home. I feel that my personal real estate experiences have made me more in tune with my client’s needs and therefore better able to help them navigate through the complex process. Please call me so that I can put my knowledge and experience to work for you.