Who doesn’t like a good DIY project? Your home ends up looking better and you saved money because you didn’t need permits or contractors. You paint your own walls, change the flooring, and even build new shelves. But is that all you can do, or can you do something more permanent? The thing is, some projects come with rules, and as competent as you are, you’re legally not allowed to do them before you get a permit. So, easy on that hammer until you learn the rules.
Permits are a lot of paperwork, but they make your home safer, and they make sure it complies with local codes. If you skip one, you’ll probably get fined and end up with a home that’s unsafe and impossible to sell later. Not all projects need permits, though, and some are so simple that there’s no need for extra approvals.
So, what are those? Keep reading, and you’ll see.
What Needs a Permit and What Doesn’t
Here’s a general guide on what you can do right away and what you shouldn’t do without a permit.
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Projects That Need Permits
If you’re doing anything to change the structure of your home, you’ll need a permit. This can be knocking down weight-bearing walls, adding new rooms, or expanding what you already have.
Electrical work needs a permit, too. This goes for big tasks like upgrading the electrical panel, adding new wiring, or installing extra outlets. Electrical work can be dangerous, so you’ll have to follow local codes and have the work inspected.
Plumbing also needs a permit. If you’re installing a new bathroom or moving a kitchen sink, you guessed it – get a permit first. Bad plumbing means water damage, leaks, and even health risks.
HVAC projects need permits, so heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as any changes to what you already have. You’ll also need a permit to replace a roof or for major landscaping projects like building a deck.
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Projects That Don’t Need Permits
Painting and applying wallpaper can be done without a permit because these are purely cosmetic and won’t affect the structure or the safety of your home. New flooring also doesn’t need a permit unless you’re making changes to the subfloor. You can also replace countertops in your kitchen and bathroom without a permit as long as you’re not altering the plumbing or electrical system.
Planting shrubs, installing small garden features, adding flower beds, and anything else of this kind can be done without permits, and that goes for simple repairs, too. Leaky faucets, patching walls, replacing broken tiles… These are all everyday fixes that aren’t risky and don’t involve big changes.
State Rules on DIY Permits
Permit rules aren’t the same for every state because each state has its own regulations. Before you do anything, research and see what your state requires.
Below, you’ll find some examples of how these rules differ.
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Minnesota
When it comes to Minnesota, the rules don’t differ much from the general guidelines you’ll have just read. So, get a permit for structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC. All other cosmetic procedures can be done without a permit.
However, if you’re hiring a contractor, make sure that they meet the Minnesota residential building contractor license requirements. This means that they have to be qualified and legally allowed to do any major renovations.
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California
California is known for its strict building codes and permit regulations. Like everywhere else, you’ll need permits for any structural changes, but they also have some regulations to make sure homes can withstand earthquakes, fires, and other natural disasters. In addition to this, some cities (like Los Angeles and San Francisco) have their own specific regulations.
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Texas
Texas is a bit more flexible when it comes to permits, but the regulations can still vary between cities and counties.
If you live in a big city, you’ll encounter stricter rules for home renovation projects, but in rural areas, they’re more lenient, and some smaller projects don’t need any permits.
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Florida
The permits in Florida are heavily influenced by risks related to weather, especially hurricanes. You’ll need a permit for all structural work, and you’ll also need inspections to make sure your home is renovated to withstand extreme weather.
If you’re in an area prone to flooding, you might even need a special permit for landscaping and exterior work that can have an effect on drainage.
Conclusion
Going the DIY route can be exciting and extremely rewarding, but you can’t just grab your tools and start working. Permits aren’t very glamorous, but they’re necessary sometimes, and if you ignore permit rules, it’s not just risky; you’ll probably have some major issues down the line.
Every state has its own rules, so do your homework and check the regulations according to where you live.
Happy renovating!
