It is no surprise, the remodeling companies in the Triangle had a great 2020. Many homeowners, myself included, had plenty of time to dream up big plans in their kitchens, baths, and other areas. I learned a great deal during my master bath remodel with The Bath Shop. I’ve always heard about permits, and they didn’t bring about sunshine and rainbow imagery. I learned that they in fact can be quite cumbersome to manage. In this article, you will learn the ins and outs of permits for renovations.
What is a Permit?
To start, what is a permit and why would I need one? A permit is needed when altering the footprint of your home. This includes additions or alterations to bathrooms, kitchens, and other living spaces. Some minor changes such as flooring, changing fixtures, and painting may not require a permit.
Some homeowners choose to skip out on the permit process. It sounds nice to save a few hundred dollars, but this could be a costly decision. It could affect the sale of a home or even prevent being approved for a loan against your home. For either, a proper appraisal is needed, and the appraiser may request information on permits pulled for remodeling projects. Failure to show that a permit was pulled, and inspections completed could result in the cancellation of a home sale or rejection of a loan.
In addition, a homeowner should always obtain a permit to assure quality of work. There are many contractors that leave homeowners with projects incomplete or provide poor workmanship. Going thru the proper channels ensures your contractor is accountable.
Jurisdiction for Permits
In the triangle area, there are different processes to obtain a permit based on your city or county. You will need to verify who has jurisdiction for their permit process by checking the GIS map for your city or county. It can be confusing, and occasionally your house will not pull properly. It is best to verify the municipality before starting the permit process.
Changes Due to Covid-19
The permit process has also changed somewhat due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to Covid, most of the application process was in person. Many municipalities now use portals, which definitely make the process easier.
What Permits are Required?
After identifying your municipality and the submittal process, you will need to identify what permit will be required based on the scope of work for your remodel. For example, if you are moving outlets, switches, and lights, you may need an electrical permit. If you are moving plumbing such as your toilet to a new location or you are replacing your tub with a shower, you may need a plumbing permit. Anything with your HVAC or an exhaust fan will fall under a mechanical permit. Some of our municipalities in the triangle will require a builder permit in addition to the individual trade permits they will have you pull.
While all of this may sound overwhelming, permits and inspections are an important part of your remodel. If you are feeling unsure about the complexity of permits, ask your contractor. A reputable one will go thru the process for you. See below for some local resources and website regarding permits in the area.
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