DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen: You Asked, We Answered
One of our readers recently asked, “Do I need permits for a kitchen/bathroom remodel, and how does your team handle that?”
The answer to the first part of that question is complicated because it depends on a couple of different things. What is the scope of work for your project? If your kitchen remodel is strictly cosmetic in nature, like replacing your countertops and adding some backsplash tile, a permit may not be required. Some municipalities will only require that the work be performed by a contractor who is currently licensed in that town. Same if your bathroom project consists of only replacing a vanity cabinet top, some accessories, and re-painting. Other municipalities will require a permit for any project no matter the size.
If your project is larger in scale and will involve any moving or altering of any structural components, moving or adding any electrical service, or moving the position of any plumbing fixtures, a permit is almost always required. However, it can, and does, vary depending on where you live, so it’s always best to check with your local building department and let them know the exact nature of your project. Ultimately, it’s their decision on whether a permit will be required.
Some homeowners shy away from building permits for various reasons; the most prevalent is that they don’t want to incur the added cost of obtaining a permit. While it’s true that obtaining a permit will add to the overall cost of your project, it’s not something that I would ever recommend for a couple of reasons. If your municipality requires a permit and you refuse to obtain one, you are breaking the law! If you’re caught doing that, you and your contractor can be fined, and in severe instances, arrested. The other reason you shouldn’t shy away from a permit is that the required inspections of your project while in progress, which come with the permit, are there to protect you, the homeowners. It ensures that the work is being performed by licensed professionals and according to the current building codes. It also guarantees that the contractors working on your project are properly insured, which again protects you, the homeowners.
As far as the actual obtaining of your permit, it can be either the homeowner or the contractor. In some towns, it’s a fairly simple process, but in others, it’s much more complicated. If you’re not familiar with the process and/or you don’t want to invest the time and effort required, you may want to leave it to your contractor to handle. Because they do this fairly often, they can usually do it much quicker.
My company automatically includes it unless the homeowner insists that they want to take care of it themselves. Either way, make sure it’s clearly stated in their proposal whose responsibility it will be. If it’s their responsibility, make sure they display the permit placard in a window of your house that faces the street as the job begins. This will be proof that they did actually obtain the permit, and you are all playing by the rules. If they don’t display the placard or if you don’t see any proof that they did obtain it, you should call your local building department, and they will confirm it, one way or the other. Be very wary of any contractor who refuses to agree to work with a permit. It usually signals that they are not licensed, not insured, or both.
Happy remodeling!
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