Do-it-yourself home remodeling can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The sense of fruition that a person feels after a job well done is a hard feeling to beat. However, it’s important to know when a project is small enough and when it’s time to start asking yourself “do I need a permit for this”? A DIY project can be fun and cost-saving, but hiring home remodeling professionals may be necessary to ensure compliance with government safety and building regulations. If you’re planning a home remodeling project, be sure to consider your needs, expectations, and capabilities before you decide to DIY.
A DIY project can be fun and cost-saving, but hiring home remodeling professionals may be necessary to ensure compliance with government safety and building regulations. If you’re planning a home remodeling project, be sure to consider your needs, expectations, and capabilities before you decide to DIY.
Why Do I Need a Permit for Home Remodeling?
To Ensure Safety
With any home renovation or improvement, safety is the top priority. It’s never worth it to put yourself, your property, or your family in danger to save a few bucks. The permitting process helps ensure that all renovations to a building provide a safe environment to it’s occupants. For example, faulty wiring could cause fire or electric shocks, and improper plumbing could cause flooding and water damage. Projects that require specialty knowledge and equipment are best left to professionals.
Protect the investment in your house
Permits are public record and provide a great account of the work and inspections that were performed. If a project involving wiring, plumbing, or other important foundational elements is completed incorrectly, you could have a huge problem that not only endangers your home and family but can also cause the value of your home to plummet. Good contractors will always be properly licensed and bonded, so you can ensure that projects meant to improve your home’s value, don’t end up costing you.
So when do I need a permit?
City of Las Vegas building codes can be complicated to understand and expensive to get wrong. Navigating this world is often best left to the professionals who have years of experience working with local governments and navigating the permitting process. But here are a few quick guidelines on time when you need a permit.
- Electrical Improvements – Anytime you find your project requiring you alter or run additional permanent wiring in your home, you’ll need a permit. You also need a permit anytime you change or upgrade your main electrical panel.
- Plumbing Improvements – There are many plumbing improvements that a homeowner might incorrectly think a permit is not needed. For example, installing or replacing a water heater requires you to get a permit. You also need a permit for any alterations to pipes that are located in ceilings, behind walls, or under floors.
- Home Improvements – If your project involves adding or converting part of your existing home, a permit is likely required. Renovations like room additions, converting a garage to make more living space, or building a patio, will all require a permit.
Know when to leave it to professionals.
For major home remodeling, you must obtain all the required permits and adhere to all building codes. You must also consider the processing time and all associated fees. Home remodeling contractors are trained and experienced with this process, which is invaluable in navigating legal requirements. If you’re planning a home remodeling project, be sure to consider your needs, expectations, and capabilities before you decide to do-it-yourself.
Think your project might need the experienced professionals at Copper Creek Construction? Call (702) 898-7873 today to learn more about how Copper Creek Construction can help.
