Before you make any major changes to your property, investigate what type of build permit you need. Even if you’re just remodeling your home, construction permits are required for most projects. Here is a basic guide to the types of major home remodeling projects requiring a permit:
If you’re demolishing any outdoor or indoor structure, you’ll need a residential building permit. Any significant remodel involving demolition requires an interior remodeling permit and an inspection to ensure proper debris removal.
Major changes to the interior of your home require a remodeling permit. You don’t need a permit to paint, wallpaper or replace furniture. However, for projects like full bathroom or kitchen renovations involving plumbing and electrical systems, you will require a permit.
Are you thinking about adding space or extra rooms to your home? If so, a construction permit is required to make sure the work is done correctly and safely. Some common examples of such projects include building a guest suite or expanding the garage.
Building a deck requires a permit, especially if it’s off the ground. This type of permit ensures proper quality for safety reasons. Having a permit prevents you from being liable if a guest happens to injure themselves due to poor deck building practices.
If you already have a deck or patio and want to build a roof over it, make sure to obtain a construction permit. This also includes any trellises or large pergolas.
Adding a permanent pool, hot tub, spa or pond requires a specific building permit. These permits are required to prevent accidental issues with local water systems and the property itself.
While the construction permit process might seem tedious, it’s important to obtain the necessary permissions before making significant changes to your home or property. Keep these projects in mind if you’re planning any major renovations.
Stephanie Englund Siegel is a successful Realtor with Compass. She was born and raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Living in the city for over almost 20 years has given Stephanie the in depth knowledge of many neighborhoods. Stephanie feels that Chicago's culturally diverse residents are what contribute to the richness and quality of life in its neighborhoods. Before joining the Compass Family, she worked as a paralegal for a real estate attorney which gave her the knowledge about every step in a transaction. From the very beginning of the process all the way to the end, Stephanie is dedicated to her clients and the success of the transaction so both parties get a win-win. Stephanie serves real estate needs in the following neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Streeterville, Loop, West Loop, South Loop, Lakeview, River north, Lincoln Square, Wrigleyville, Ravenswood, Greater Chicago area and surrounding suburbs.
