Before you make any major changes to your property, investigate what type of build permit you need. Even if you’re just remodeling your home, construction permits are required for most projects. Here is a basic guide to the types of major home remodeling projects requiring a permit:
If you’re demolishing any outdoor or indoor structure, you’ll need a residential building permit. Any significant remodel involving demolition requires an interior remodeling permit and an inspection to ensure proper debris removal.
Major changes to the interior of your home require a remodeling permit. You don’t need a permit to paint, wallpaper or replace furniture. However, for projects like full bathroom or kitchen renovations involving plumbing and electrical systems, you will require a permit.
Are you thinking about adding space or extra rooms to your home? If so, a construction permit is required to make sure the work is done correctly and safely. Some common examples of such projects include building a guest suite or expanding the garage.
Building a deck requires a permit, especially if it’s off the ground. This type of permit ensures proper quality for safety reasons. Having a permit prevents you from being liable if a guest happens to injure themselves due to poor deck building practices.
If you already have a deck or patio and want to build a roof over it, make sure to obtain a construction permit. This also includes any trellises or large pergolas.
Adding a permanent pool, hot tub, spa or pond requires a specific building permit. These permits are required to prevent accidental issues with local water systems and the property itself.
While the construction permit process might seem tedious, it’s important to obtain the necessary permissions before making significant changes to your home or property. Keep these projects in mind if you’re planning any major renovations.
Cheryl Caldwell has been a licensed Realtor in the Greater Newburyport area since 2006 and has been a consistent multi-million dollar producer. Her prior 15-year experience as a commercial and residential real estate paralegal in Boston and then Newburyport has proven a valuable asset as she assists her clients, both buyers, and sellers, in navigating through the paths to buying or selling real estate. She prides herself on her hands-on approach to each and every client, property, and challenge that comes her way. Working extensively with builders and developers on new construction as well as renovated homes has provided her with a skill set that benefits her clients every day.
