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What renovations require a building permit

If you’re planning on renovating your home, it’s important to know what types of renovations require a building permit. This can help not only with the planning process, but also with budgeting. The best way to determine if your particular project will require a permit is by calling your local council and asking their planning officer or building surveyor directly. However, there are some general guidelines that may give you an idea of whether or not you need a permit for any given renovation project:

Bathrooms and kitchens are a common place for renovations to occur. If you’re thinking about taking on a bathroom or kitchen renovation, you’ll need to know which types of projects require permits.

  • Bathroom renovations include:
  • replacing the tub/shower surround
  • installing new fixtures (faucets, toilets, etc.)
  • extending plumbing lines or adding new fixtures

The council will consider a roof, window or door replacement to be structural work. This means you’ll need a building permit for the project.

If you don’t get one, you could get into trouble with the council and have to pay fines.

Adding a new addition to your home is one of the most common renovations. In many cases, you’ll need a permit for this type of project. An addition is any part of a building that was not there when you bought your house. Examples include garages, porches, decks and sunrooms. All additions must meet city building codes and zoning regulations–and if they’re attached directly to an existing structure (like an addition to your kitchen), they may also require alterations to electrical wiring or plumbing systems within the house itself

Structural work is any work that affects the structural integrity of your house. If you’re adding a second story, adding a garage or building an addition, this would fall under structural work and require a permit. You may need to get a structural engineer involved in order to submit plans for approval by city officials before starting any construction.

If you’re planning on doing any of the following renovations, it’s important to get a permit:

  • Structural work (such as adding a new room or deck)
  • Electrical work, including adding new lights and outlets.
  • Plumbing, including installing bathroom fixtures and adding water lines.
  • Gas work, such as installing gas appliances like stoves or furnaces.

If your renovation project involves these kinds of renovations, you should get a permit.