5 home improvements that might require a permit tips, Property renewal, House refurb guide

5 Home Improvements That Might Require a Permit

7 April 2025

photo : Thomas Kinto on Unsplash

Usually, homeowners wishing to improve their homes start certain renovation and remodelling initiatives. While little changes like painting might not call for permits, major home renovations call generally for permission from the relevant local authorities.

If permits are not obtained, your project may be delayed, and selling your house may become difficult. Local councils issue permits in accordance with city ordinances, which differ according to the location. Permits are needed for the following home improvement projects.

New Roofing

Your roof is one home renovation project you simply cannot afford to skimp on. Any permanent roof work, including solar panel or skylight installation or rooftop replacement, requires a roof permit from the city.

Generally, city approval is needed for repairs or replacements that involve more than 100 square feet or 25% of your roof. Only upkeep and repairs are excluded unless doing so requires significant structural alterations.

You shouldn’t do your roofing. Protecting workers and everyone in the construction area is a risky and challenging task that must be completed correctly. Inspections for roof permits guarantee that solar panels, skylights, and new roof materials can be placed without causing damage to the structure.

In the event that something goes wrong during or after the process, homeowners are protected by city approval, which makes this job safer. Prices for a roofing permit are difficult to estimate because they greatly rely on the project’s size, nature, and cost.

Structural Modifications

Permits may also be necessary for some modification work. Examples include adding or removing a deck or porch, building or removing a wall, and turning your attic into an additional space. Since these modifications change your home’s structural layout, they require legal clearance.

However, you must also ensure that these additions may be made to your house without endangering your family or completely damaging it. You can make a better judgment if your building contractors conduct a comprehensive evaluation.

Fence Building

Consult your homeowner’s association and local municipality before installing a new fence. Not all need permits, but height limitations are in place so that authorities can restrict you to a particular kind of landscaping and fencing.

To prevent digging into sewage, internet, and electrical lines, it’s also crucial to check with your city. Without a permit, you can do simple fence maintenance, like painting and replacing the boards yourself. However, a permit is necessary in order to build a new fence.

Electrical and Plumbing Updates

Projects like new light fixture installations and faucets do not call for permits. You most certainly need one, though, to install new pipes and handle wiring-related electrical changes. Just qualified experts should make these updates.

Removing current plumbing or working on any project involving the installation of new electrical services to your house could also call for a permit. A small job like changing an outlet could call for a permit.

Load-Bearing Wall Modifications

Since load-bearing walls are essential for the stability of your house, changing them is among the most significant modifications that definitely call for permission. Including roofs, higher floors, and other structural components, these walls help your house to bear weight. Removing or changing a load-bearing wall without appropriate licenses and engineering permission could cause significant structural damage, safety concerns, and financial losses.

Endnote

Not only are you abiding by the law when you adhere to building standards and permit requirements, but you are also investing in the long-term safety and value of your home. When in doubt, seek advice from authorized contractors or local officials who can help you navigate the permission procedure for your particular remodelling project.

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