If you want to put your home on the market and increase its selling price, you may decide to increase the value by taking on remodeling in Bellevue. After all, a home with a sunroom can command a better price than a home without one. We at Victory Home Remodeling are experts at all types of home remodeling, and so please do visit Victory Remodeling website.
And there’s an excellent chance that new buyers will be captivated by a chef’s kitchen instead of the outdated galley kitchen. But this can only be done through an outstanding remodeling in Bellevue.
But if you’ve ever done extensive home renovations, you know building permits are often required in Bellevue and can be expensive, time-consuming, and often frustrating.
1) Do I require a permit to make changes to my home in Bellevue?
If you’re renovating your entire home, chances are you’ll need a permit for at least one or a few of your changes. A whole house renovation is a major renovation and if you are making any structural, electrical, or plumbing changes, such as adding a new bathroom, you will likely need a building permit.
2) What if I don’t have a permit?
If renovations to your home require a permit, but you don’t get one, the municipal building inspector can issue a stop order and you may be fined.
3) Do all renovations need a permit?
There are many renovations that can be done without a permit, including painting the interior or exterior of your home, installing kitchen cabinets, installing hardwood floors, or making interior changes that don’t require structural fixes.
4) Renovations likely to need a permit
Building permits are often divided into categories, including those assigned for electrical, mechanical, and structural changes or new construction work. Before you apply, you must have plans in place that comply with local codes and ordinances.
That’s because individual renovations will alter the structure of your property as a whole. City officials want to make sure your property can withstand the work you plan to do.
You will most likely need a permit if you plan to make any major changes to your home footprint. Bedrooms, room extensions, the majority of decks, garages, and some sheds are included in this. Any project that changes your home’s existing support system (changes to load-bearing walls, decks, balconies, and porches) also requires a permit. Here are some other cases where you will probably need a permit:
- Fences – While not all fences need permits, local governments frequently impose height limitations on fences without permits. The city of Chicago, for example, requires a permit for a fence five feet or higher, while other cities allow taller structures.
- New windows – Replacing an existing window generally does not require a permit, but cutting a hole for a new window generally does. This includes new skylights and doors.
- Plumbing and electrical – A permit may be required if you are installing new plumbing or removing it. Any work that includes installing new electrical service to your home also requires a permit. Permission is needed even for something as straightforward as changing an outlet.
- Siding – Most municipalities require a permit for siding projects.
- Water Heater – To replace your water heater, you need a permit. You may also need a permit for changes to the ventilation system.
- Full Cost – Some municipalities require a permit if renovations or construction projects cost more than a certain amount.
5) Renovations that do not require a permit
There are some things you can do in your home without going through the permit process. Most of them are fairly minor, most of which you can do yourself without having to hire and pay a contractor. Some of the projects listed below might not need a permit.
- Paint or wallpaper
- Installation of hardwood floors or carpets
- Minor electrical repairs that do not involve adding new service or moving existing service
- Installation of new countertops
- Replacement of a faucet
6) How do I get a permit?
Through the municipal office in your area, submit an application for the permit. Depending on the project’s complexity, certain permits can be obtained right away, while others might need the designs to be reviewed.
During the renovation process, labor inspections may be required. For projects involving additions to homes, multiple inspections may be required. Once the work is complete, a final inspection is performed and the permit is issued.
7) The permitting process
Local municipalities issue permits based on city ordinances. Building codes are different from city to city because there are no national or state norms. The only way to find out if your city requires a permit for remodeling work is to go to their website or call.
If you hire a licensed contractor, you should know if the work requires a permit. But as a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to make sure all remodels are completed legally.
The bottom line:
A permit is typically required for sizable projects that significantly alter the construction of your house. As each municipality has different rules, it is essential to check the website of your city or call for clarification. Regardless of who does the work, the owner’s responsibility is to make sure the project has the proper permits.
