building_permit_office

When and Why You Should Get a Permit

Have you heard the horror stories about filing for a permit and the subsequent inspections? Did you hear the tale about the inspector that made the electrician pull everything out and start over? Have you been warned not to file a permit because you might “open a can of worms”? What exactly is a rough-in? And why do people say “pull a permit” instead of file for a permit? Don’t let misinformation put you and your family at risk. I have the answers to these questions and why you would want to file for a permit before starting your next home improvement project.

Last week I drove downtown to file for a building and electrical permit with Wake County, NC, but found out we are in the Raleigh City Jurisdiction for building permits (but that’s another story for another day.) Before I went to the permit office, I asked Barry Mooneyham, Chief Code Official of Wake County if I could have a little of his time to ask him some questions. It was a very informative 3o minutes, which completely changed my perspective on permits. I left his office with a new found appreciation and understanding of permits and inspectors.

Before I get to Mr. Mooneyham’s answers, I want to answer a recent question that some of my readers posted on Facebook:

Facebook_shot_pull_permit

Laura, Alyssa & Holly, thanks for asking. I was unsure of the origin on the term “pulling a permit” myself, so I did a little research.

Why do people call it “pulling a permit” instead of filing for a permit?

  • The joke answer: Ever try getting a building permit? It is like trying to pull a tooth!
  • The possible real answer:  It’s called “pulling” a permit because the people in the office have to “pull” the paper work out of a filing cabinet.

Having “pulled a permit” last week I can tell you that it really wasn’t hard. I did print out the paperwork online before heading downtown. This was invaluable because I was able to answer all the questions ahead of time. Some of the information that was required for the permit is:

  • Description of work
  • Cost estimate of work being done
  • Square footage of space being renovated.
  • Lot number
  • Contractor information (including email, phone number, license number and address.)
  • How long do you intend to stay in the house?
  • And more questions if we intended to add square footage to our home (not in the scope of our current project.)

And now, let’s turn to my local expert, Mr. Barry Mooneyham, Chief Code Official for Wake County, NC for some answers to questions about permits and inspections:

1. Why is it necessary to file for a permit?

A permit will insure that you meet certain criteria and safety concerns in relation to:

  • Zoning requirements
  • Environmental (waste, water systems, and run off)
  • Building codes
  • Electrical codes
  • Mechanical codes
  • Have a record of your renovation/addition/or building project to show the bank, insurance company and future homeowners that there was a permit pulled and the work was deemed safe for the dwelling and done according to current codes.

building_permit

How do I file for a permit? Do I take my ideas on a piece of paper or do I need ‘official’ plans?

  • Be sure to fill out the forms completely. Look for your county, city or state development guides online to familiarize yourself with building codes. Codes will vary depending on your geographic location and based on your job scope. Overall, there are not a lot of differences between codes for different locations, but it is your responsibility to read up on your codes. (My side note: For our kitchen renovation, I didn’t need to show any plans.)

 

Is there a way to get an estimate of the cost for the permit and inspections?

  • Most of the fees are usually listed online or you can call your local permit office and ask them the cost for your permit and inspections. In our area, the inspection costs are built into the permit fee. The fees are dependent on the square footage of the project and the scope of the project. However, if a re-inspection is necessary, there are re-inspection charges.  The permit covers the first inspections (rough-in and finals). Failure to file for a permit before starting work would lead to double fees.

 

What are the top reasons people don’t want to pull a permit?

  • The main reason a contractor won’t want to file for a permit is that they don’t want to meet code or can’t meet the code. And this contractor may not be licensed to do the work you are asking him or her to do.

 

I’ve heard that when renovating an older house and a permit is pulled, it can open you up to the need to bring everything up to current code? Is there anything that is “grandfathered”?

  • If a wall is opened and there are things that are accessible that aren’t up to current code, you will be required to make those alterations and adjustments. But, an inspector normally won’t ask you to gut your home to make everything up to code unless it is a real safety issue.

 

What is the most common home improvement projects that homeowners complete without pulling a permit (that they shouldn’t do without a permit)?

  • #1 Finish empty space over garage.
  • #2 Finishing a Basement
  • # 3 Finishing an attic.

These type of renovations do require building permits. A lot of times, there needs to be additional electrical to meet the requirements for a finished space. Or an egress needs to be provided for emergency exit.

 

What are the ramifications if a homeowner doesn’t pull a permit?

  • The electrician/ plumber/ tradesperson that says you don’t need a permit (and is a licensed tradesperson) will be turned into the boards. The trade boards will decide how to proceed, but that person could be stripped of their license. It is likely if a tradesperson tells you that you don’t need a permit (and you really do) he or she doesn’t have the license to be doing the work and therefore can’t pull a permit. Do you really want this person working on your home?
  • If a homeowner does work without a permit and asks for forgiveness later. The fees for the permit and inspections will be doubled. You may also be required to undo or open up work for the inspections. It is so much easier to file a permit ahead of time. If in doubt, call your local building and planning office.

 

Are there any renovations or simple upgrades to a residential home where you don’t need to pull a permit?

  • Light fixtures, toilets, sinks, simple changes in fixtures that doesn’t require moving anything. However, It is a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure that you install or change the fixture properly.

 

What if you buy a house that had an addition or changes and there wasn’t a permit pulled? Can a permit be filed for and inspections done after the fact?

  • Yes, you can file for a permit retroactively.  But, it could involve uncovering or exposing work that was done. It is to your benefit to make sure that permits were pulled for work done on a house you are considering buying. Real Estate agents are required to disclose if a permit wasn’t filed.   If you are the homeowner who did an alteration to your home without pulling a permit and you get ready to sell. You will be charged double fees to get the permit after the fact. In Wake County, you can’t do your own repairs if you are going to move within 12 months. If you plan to live in your home a long time you can make your own repairs.
  • They aren’t going to chase down a homeowner that didn’t pull a permit.
  • You should be aware, that even if a previous owner did a renovation and didn’t have a permit, the permit responsibility goes with the current homeowner. Which means that when you go to sell your house, you could be required to have  a permit for that addition that the previous owner did.

 

How can you tell if a permit was pulled for your home’s renovations?

  • If your local government has online real estate records, you can look there. Otherwise, you can call your local building, planning and inspections office. (In Wake County, permits filed before 1986 may not show up in the online records.)

 

What happens after the permit is pulled?

  • You can proceed with the rough in work (plumbing, wiring, building, etc.) When the electrical wires and boxes are put in you are ready for the rough-in inspection. Keep walls exposed if sheetrock has been removed so the inspector can thoroughly inspect the work.

 

I assume an inspector comes out for a “rough in” inspection. What exactly does that mean?

  • All trades have rough-in inspections. It refers to bringing wires into boxes. Running plumbing or lines fixtures are not hooked up or attached yet.

 

What and how is the final inspection done? What will the inspectors be looking for?

  • Everything that is outside walls and in plain view will be looked at. Occasionally, covers may be opened to look at connections.  Plumbing inspectors will look for caulking and to insure fittings are connected and sealed. Heating and cooling systems must adhere to current codes.

 

Why and how are codes written?

  • Some are written by firemen and are regulated by insurance company.  More recently there have been changes to codes to take into consideration energy savings and environmental concerns. Building codes are written to keep you and your home safe. Insurance companies are very invested in making sure that you keep your home safe when adding onto or making repairs to you home because they have a financial interest in your property when you have insurance.

 

Can I be my own contractor?

  • Absolutely, as long as the project is under $30,000.

 

Any tips for making the process of applying for a permits and inspections more smooth for homeowners?

  • Take your time to read through the development guides for your locale. They will spell out what codes you need to meet and help you pass your inspections.

 

And now for the Specific Reader Questions:

Do we need to pull a permit to put up a non-loadbearing wall? I have two bathrooms that share a closet, and it’s awkward to hear what’s going on in the other bathroom.

  • You could add a non-structural, non-load bearing wall (at a cost of less than $5,000) without a permit. Be aware, that if it involves useable wall space, you will need to add electrical if  your wall is more than 2′ wide. The code in our area states that outlets must be within 12′ of each other, and less than 6′ from a corner. Adding or moving electrical does require filing for a permit.

 

We are replacing our cabinets in our kitchen and installing a new vent hood (same exhaust ductwork and electrical). We aren’t taking down any walls or even changing the layout. One contractor we talked to suggested we would need a permit. Is this true?

  • Yes, you will need a mechanical permit. But, you can do the installation yourself, just be sure to follow the instruction manual from the manufacturer. Depending on the strength of the new hood, you also might need an air return.

 

A reader was told that insurance companies won’t pay out on a fire claim if any work is un-permitted regardless of the cause. Is this true and why?

  • Insurance companies don’t have to pay for fire damages if they find out that the fire was caused by work that wasn’t to code.

 

If you are renovating a room (for example a bathroom or kitchen) and replacing the fixtures but everything is in the exact same spot, do you need a permit?

  • Replacing a fixture like a toilet, sink or light fixture is fine to do without a permit. But, if you change or move any plumbing or electrical you do need a permit.

 

I’m moving out of a house that has a laundry room on the second floor between the bedrooms. I want this in every house I have until forever now, it’s so handy! Do I need a permit to move the plumbing and vent?

  • Yes. Anytime you are moving plumbing, HVAC and electrical you will need a permit.

 

My husband wants me to ask if there are any codes in relation to a window seat being built in a bay window?

  • Not that I’m aware of.

 

After my interview, I realized that the inspectors actually work for the homeowners. They protect homeowners and business owners from mistakes, especially dangerous life threatening one.

I really appreciated that fact this week as I had to navigate how to make repairs to termite damage. Our building inspector came out to our home to meet with me and our termite company to help figure out the best way to make the repairs. I can’t begin to tell you how reassuring it was to have this expert in my corner to make sure the repairs are done correctly.

Plus, the building inspector now knows our whole story and he took some time afterwards to see if there were any other issues I needed to address. This is exactly why it is important to get a permit! The inspectors are a third party intermediary. They want your home to be safe and can go to bat for you against any sub-contractors you hire.

You might want to watch this video for additional information on permits:

PHGFancySign

Disclaimer: This interview and the information contained in this post may not pertain to your local permit, inspections and code requirements. Be sure to contact your local building, planning and inspection offices to ask any questions you may have about your own home and future projects.

You can read more about our kitchen disaster and renovation in these updates:

 

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When and Why You Should Get a Permit | Pretty Handy Girl

35 replies
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  1. Ronald Belote
    Ronald Belote says:

    This is strictly their state. It doesn’t take into account if the building was an older building before permits. In some states you have to pull a permit to change a toilet. It’s not always for safety but more so for knowing what work has been done. It’s an account on what people do in their home. Which is great for the future homebuyer which might be you. This article tries to take the fear away from permits but adds onto it with a homebuyer being on the hook for previous add ons. Which might be true and that’s scarier.

    Reply
  2. Eric
    Eric says:

    I get that the permits are there to protect you and future homeowners. With that being said, the codes are not published in such a way that a homeowner has easy access to it. For example, I simply want to move a bathroom light fixture from one wall to another. It is a very simple project, especially since I have access from the attic for the wiring. Since I am not a licensed electrician I have to pull a permit, but good luck looking up the electrical codes. I only need to look them up to be sure I meet them with the correct gauge wiring and methods for termination in the gang boxes. This is a big hassle for me and would probably make other people either not pull a permit, or hire an electrician. I will eventually find the detail in the 1300 page code book that is not easily accessible online, not to mention the random adendums by the state. If you know an easier way to look up NC or Wake county electrical codes I’d love to hear it.

    Reply
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  4. Edie
    Edie says:

    Hi, I live in Greensboro, N.C. and after talking with 2 guys who clearly didn’t know how to remodel a bathroom, then 2 more that couldn’t provide a contract, I thought I had the right man for the job. He pulled 2 permits for plumbing and construction of a walk in shower, but did not get final inspections on either! The inspector who came for the plumbing used a plunger and auger to get the water to go down! I told the contractor that day about it. It’s been almost a year since the renovation. After countless calls, texts and emails he and his plumber take no responsibility for this! Do I confront the inspector for letting them continue or the contractor for not honoring his 1 year warranty or both? And who enforces the final inspection? I asked if I could request it and the city said “no”. It had to be the licensed contractor!

    Reply
    • Brittany Bailey
      Brittany Bailey says:

      I’m not sure the best way to handle this, but if it was me, I’d file a complaint with the city planning commission (or whatever department handles inspections.) Then I’d threaten to sue the contractor.

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  6. Beth Peele
    Beth Peele says:

    Thank you so much for this informative post. I’m pinning it & adding it to my bookmarks as I’m sure I’ll want to refer to it again.
    Thanks so much for taking the time to share this.

    Reply
  7. Tina
    Tina says:

    Good to know about the floors. We are the original owners and built the house. The builder did the rough in on the basement when the house was built – in a subdivision that was being developed. I know they had the proper permits at that time (1992). So would another one really be necessary if we are not changing plumbing and electrical? All outlets are in, ceiling fan is in. and bathroom sink, toilet and shower drain are in – from the original builder.

    Reply
    • Brittany Bailey
      Brittany Bailey says:

      If it was me, I’d probably go ahead and close it up and not risk finding out that they changed the code since then to make you add extra electrical outlets, etc. But, that’s your call. Especially if you feel that your electrical needs are met. 😉

      Reply

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  1. […] How and When You Should File for a Permit during a Kitchen Renovation – Your Questions Answered […]

  2. […] in no time. Regardless of who is doing the work, make sure you check with your local city/county to find out if you need a permit. Don’t just take your contractor’s word for […]

  3. […] How and When You Should File for a Permit during a Kitchen Renovation – Your Questions Answered […]

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