Thinking about making improvements to your home? Be warned that some projects may require a permit from the city before you get started. Here are some common projects that will require some extra prep work on your part to ensure you stay within your city’s regulations on such matters.

 

First off, permits for certain projects on your home are important because the changes go on record. These records generally come into play when you are selling your home because potential buyers will want to know what changes have been made and if they were done professionally and properly so as not to increase the likelihood of their dealing with a bigger issue after the purchase. They also allow the city to maintain accurate records of homes and their features for property taxes.

 

The projects that require a permit, in general, are those projects that include changes to the structure, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical workings of the home. However, permits are not only limited to these renovations. Permits could be required for projects like fence installation and repair, new window installations (not replacing an old window), heating renovations, and additions to the home or remodels of a room.

 

If you aren’t sure whether a permit will be required for the work you plan on undertaking, be sure to check in with your city officials before beginning to avoid any fines. Many projects such as painting, landscaping, replacing faucets or showerheads, and similar projects don’t require a permit. And some cities will specify that any project that will cost more than a specific amount will require a permit.