DIY Home Remodel: Do I need a permit?
Do I need a permit for my DIY home project? I think many/most of us know that major home renovation projects require some sort of permissions from the city. However, many of us also probably know someone who remodeled their house without pulling any permits at all!
So what’s the deal? Is it necessary and why?
If you’re changing anything with the home’s structure or messing with things that could be potentially unsafe (i.e. electric), it’s likely that one is required. Check with your city to understand if a permit is needed for your project.
Aside from the fact that a permit for many remodels is required by your city, there are a few other things to keep in mind as to why you don’t want to skip this important step.
- Fines/penalties: if you execute a project without a permit, it can result in fines, penalties or even being forced to redo your project completely – all expensive and unpleasant things.
- Insurance: Insurance might not cover damages caused by something built or updated without a permit. For example, let’s say you remodel your basement without a permit. You rewire some of the electrical that later leads to an electrical fire. Those fire damages might not be covered by insurance.
- Resale: If you’re planning to sell your house, you’ll be required to disclose any work done without proper permitting. In some instances, an offer might be contingent on the proper permit being filed. Or worse, that the work is redone with the proper permits.
All in all, skipping this part of the process initially might save you some money and time in the beginning but cutting this important step out of the process can lead to major headaches later on down the road! When you’re asking yourself, “Do I need a permit?”, follow your gut and call your city.
