Do I Need a Permit for My Home Improvement Project?

Building permits protect you. They ensure work is inspected by your local building department to verify it meets safety codes. Skipping a permit can lead to problems when you sell your home, void your homeowner's insurance, and require you to tear out completed work.

Projects that almost always require a permit

• Structural changes (removing or adding walls, changing load-bearing elements)
• Electrical panel upgrades or adding circuits
• Plumbing rough-in, water heater replacement (most jurisdictions)
• HVAC system installation or replacement
• Roof replacement (most jurisdictions)
• Additions and accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Decks above 30 inches off the ground
• Finished basements
• Swimming pools
• Garage conversions

Projects that usually don't require a permit

• Painting (interior and exterior)
• Installing flooring (carpet, hardwood, LVP)
• Replacing cabinets and countertops without moving plumbing
• Replacing light fixtures (same location, same circuit)
• Replacing faucets and toilets
• Minor landscaping

How to check your local rules

Permit requirements vary by city and county. Search for "[your city or county] building permit requirements" or call your local building department. Your contractor should know what's required for your project — if they suggest skipping a permit, walk away.

What happens if you skip a permit?

• You may have to tear out completed work for an inspector to verify compliance
• You could face fines from your municipality
• Unpermitted work may void your homeowner's insurance claim if the work causes damage
• Buyers' lenders often flag unpermitted work, killing real estate transactions

Bottom line: A reputable contractor includes permit costs in their estimate and manages the process. If they're telling you to skip permits to save money, find someone else.