Major home improvement projects may require applying for new building permits. A building permit is required for any project that alters or adds to a home’s existing structure. This type of permit is also often needed for electrical, plumbing and heating projects. If you’re working with home improvement contactors, these specialists should be the ones to apply for new building permits.

Why Are Home Building Permits Necessary?

Building codes are meant to ensure that major changes to a home are structurally sound and comply with local and national building codes.

Projects that require building permits are generally inspected during and upon completion of the project. Not all home improvement projects require building codes. Many don’t, but it’s always wise to check; failure to obtain building codes can result in expensive fines.

Home Improvement Contractors and Building Permits

Home improvement contractors should inform homeowners of any building permits that will be required during a project. Contracts with you home improvement contractor should state that the contractor is authorized to apply for the home building permit on your behalf.

It’s strongly recommended that the home improvement contractor, and not the homeowner, apply for new building permits. If the contractor’s work does not pass inspection, the homeowner isn’t financially responsible for any remodeling or corrections if the contractor took out the building permit. If the homeowner took out the building permit in his or her full name, he or she is completely responsible for all financial costs if the home improvement project does not pass code inspection. This alone is reason enough to insist that home improvement contractors apply for the building permits.

Many states only provide new building permits to home improvement contractors who are registered with the state as contractors. Registered home improvement contractors must fulfill all state requirements, which usually include sufficient liability insurance and workers compensation. This also protects the homeowner: If an accident happens during the home improvement project and the contractor doesn’t have liability insurance, the homeowner could be liable for damages.

What if My Home Improvement Contractor Won’t Apply for the Permit?

Be wary of home improvement contractors who refuse to apply for new building permits on your behalf or who claim you don’t need building permits but won’t put that claim in writing. These could be signs that the contractor is not registered in the state, or, in a worst case scenario, running a scam. Legitimate, registered home improvement contractors should have no objections to applying for building permits in their client’s names.