If you’re itching to remodel your home, you’re certainly not the only one. In fact, 40% of homeowners say that this is the year they finally plan to renovate their home. If you love to DIY, it’s important to note that there are a lot of small scale projects that actually require permit approval. When… View Article The post 4 Surprising DIY Projects That Require a Permit appeared first on Scout Services.
If you’re itching to remodel your home, you’re certainly not the only one. In fact, 40% of homeowners say that this is the year they finally plan to renovate their home. If you love to DIY, it’s important to note that there are a lot of small scale projects that actually require permit approval. When you hire a contractor to do the work, you might not need permit help. But when you’re doing it all yourself, failing to get a residential building permit for your renovation could come back to haunt you.
Not only will you be in violation of the law, but if something should go wrong, your insurance company will deny a damage claim. In order to protect your family and your home, be sure to obtain your permits before starting on one of these four projects. And when you use our permit expediting services, you’ll be able to start your projects (and start enjoying the added value and function to your home) much sooner.
- Window or door replacement
While you might think switching out your door or windows is a simple job, there’s a bit more involved. Windows in particular need to meet requirements to ensure first responders can get into your home in case of emergency. Both windows and doors need to meet proper installation requirements so that water can’t seep into your home, too. In addition, building codes specify how much light and ventilation need to be provided for a given room. And if you’re planning on changing the framing or installing additional openings for windows or doors, you need to meet current code requirements. All of these specifications are addressed in the permits you’ll obtain. - Building a shed
Even if your backyard shed is small, you’ll likely still need to get a shed permit before you install it. Building codes vary depending on your area, but shed permits often restrict the size, purpose, and placement of the structure, electrical wiring, or the type of foundation used. Oftentimes, shed permits also require these structures to be anchored or built using certain methods in order to withstand strong winds and freezing temperatures. Shed permits ensure that homeowners meet all requirements when it comes to their structure, which will keep your building safe for everyone to use. - Putting up a fence
Yes, you heard that right: if you want a white picket fence, you’ll need to get a fence permit first. That’s because the city or town needs to ensure that you aren’t violating any ordinances with a too-high fence in your residential area or utilizing one with barbed wire where it isn’t allowed. You may even need a permit to change your existing fence! Although these can keep children and animals safe in a busy neighborhood, you’ll often need to get permission before building one. - Building a deck or porch
While a porch or deck can add a lot of value to a home, they can also be problematic if they aren’t built properly. Getting a permit will make sure that these additions are structurally sound and won’t present any risk to your family. Without a permit, you won’t know for sure whether your deck could collapse or whether railings were installed properly. Don’t risk a hefty fine, dangerous fall, or both.
Always get your permits before starting on these complex projects yourself. If you’re taking on a DIY project, both you and your town should know that your renovation is safe and complies with regulations. While the permit process can be long and complex, permit expediting services can help. For more information on fast and simple permit expediting services, contact us today.
