Is a permit required for my remodeling project?

In the 1980s, Amblin Entertainment released a comedy classic called "The Money Pit." During their search for a new home, a young couple (played by Tom Hanks and Shelly Long) discovers an incredible deal on an old mansion that supposedly just needs a little bit of work. However, soon enough, the staircase collapses, the bathtub crashes through the floor, and Tom Hanks' character finds himself stuck up to his shoulders after stepping on a rug that concealed a massive hole in the second-floor.

The permitting process isn't part of the script or the movie's plot, but you can bet that if a real homeowner found themselves (just like Tom Hanks' character) covered in dust after witnessing their chimney crumble unexpectedly, one of the first things they'd ask is, "Do I need a permit to fix this?"

Most property owners can easily understand the concept of needing a building permit for large projects like new construction or major additions. But what about smaller remodels? Do you need a permit to replace your laminate countertops with granite? What if you're planning to install a privacy fence or build a medium-sized deck? Or maybe you’re thinking of doing the work yourself?

The quick answer is almost always, yes. The I-Codes, which include the International Building Code and the International Residential Code, serve as the foundation for most state, city, and local building codes. When it comes to permits, the I-Code is very specific. It requires that a permit be obtained whenever a structure is to be built, expanded, altered, repaired, relocated, or demolished [source: Woodson].

Hold on just a second! You might argue that this makes it sound like property owners need a permit just to tighten a washer on a leaking faucet. To clarify, we reached out to Jeff Lupton, a licensed general contractor at Lupton Design + Build in Atlanta, Ga., to provide some insight. So, when exactly is a permit truly necessary? Find out on the next page.

The Significance of Securing Permits

In 1994, a 46-year-old man slipped on a staircase while shopping at his local hardware store. The store owner had built the stairs without obtaining the necessary permits, and the construction did not meet the city's building codes. As a result, the injured man received a settlement for his injuries in the ensuing lawsuit.

Building codes are in place to protect us from dishonest contractors who cut corners by using poor-quality materials and unqualified workers. They also aim to safeguard us from well-meaning DIYers like Tom Hanks' character in "The Money Pit," who may think they can handle certain tasks, only to end up in a literal hole. Obtaining a permit ensures that an expert will review your renovation plans and catch any errors before the work starts. Once construction begins, inspectors make sure any dangerous mistakes are corrected before the job is finished.

Permits are legally required and designed to ensure your safety, but do you truly need one? According to contractor Jeff Lupton of Lupton Design + Build in Atlanta, Ga., the answer is a firm yes. "Every property owner should obtain a permit and hire a licensed contractor whenever required by law," he advises.

That being said, there are some gray areas. For example, building codes differ depending on location. In Atlanta, Ga., you must pull a permit if you're building a fence around your yard. But in Clark County, Washington, fences under 6 feet (1.8 meters) in height don't need a permit [source: Clark County]. Moreover, rural municipalities might have more relaxed rules than large cities.

You could always take a chance and skip the permit. Unless an inspector happens to catch you in the middle of a major renovation during a random drive-by, you might get away with it. However, just like the hardware store owner with his unpermitted staircase, bypassing the permit can lead to unexpected consequences.

It may not be the most fun thing to hear, but, yes, you'll likely need a permit for your remodel.