Following through with a kitchen remodel can be an exciting time. However, it can also feel daunting as there is a lack of information readily available, especially regarding rules and regulations. In this article, I want to discuss whether or not you can remodel your kitchen without a permit.
In almost all cities and states in the United States of America, you need a permit to do any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical remodeling. In states like California, you need a permit for any type of remodeling. Your best option is to check with your local city council.
The trickiest thing about a building permit is knowing whether or not you need one, so while it’s impossible to discuss every city in America, my goal is to give you a guideline.
This article will walk you through and give you an idea of whether or not you may need one for work you are having done in your kitchen, and I’ve also included other important things you’ll need to know about permit applications and such…
QUICK TIP: If you’re unsure in any way, always speak directly to the municipal office that services your area and they should be able to tell you for certain whether you need a permit or not.
In Which States Can You Remodel A Kitchen Without A Permit?
According to my experience and research, there is no state where you can build freely. Yes, almost all states allow you to do minor repairs and projects without getting a permit. However, the minute you start doing major maintenance or renovations, every state has a similar guideline. Let’s take a look at this in more detail…
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Kitchen Remodels That Need A Permit
As mentioned, most states in the United States require a permit for specific types of projects. The rules are almost the same across the country. So, if you are doing anything mentioned in the list below, you are likely to need a permit. Let’s take a look at that list. You will need a permit for:
- Any remodeling that requires electrical work.
- If your project requires any plumbing work.
- If you’re adding any walls to your kitchen.
- If you’re altering the structure of your kitchen.
All of the items on the above list are considered significant projects. And in most cases, you would need a professional to help with these types of tasks.
Does A Kitchen Remodel Need A Permit In California?
From what I can tell, California is the only state that requires a permit for all types of construction. Even if you are replacing your kitchen cabinets, you still need to get a permit, making California different from most other states.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Permit To Remodel A Kitchen?
Some permits can be processed within a week, especially if you are only doing a small project. For a more extensive project where you would be removing parts of the structure or adding to it, you might have to wait up to six weeks.
You may be tempted to start a job before you get the permit; however, I’d advise against doing this because there’s a slight chance that you’ll not be approved, and you could face a fine for doing the construction without a permit.
How Much Does A Permit Cost To Remodel A Kitchen?
A general building permit to remodel your kitchen will cost you between $500 and $800. If you get a contractor to get the permit for you, they might add a little fee, but if you’re already paying them to do the project, they usually include it into their overall cost rather than an added fee.
You can expect to be charged approximately 1% of the total cost of your renovations. But again, it can differ depending on what city you live in.
The price of a permit generally differs depending on what parts of the country you live in. It doesn’t really depend on the state. Every municipal office has different rates, so it is best to check directly with your local municipality.
The Easiest Way To Get A Permit When Re-modelling A Kitchen
There’s generally a lack of information readily available when it comes to how to go about getting a permit for a kitchen remodel. And it’s not hard to see why.
There are a lot of cities and municipal offices scattered across America. It’s almost impossible to discuss the rules and regulations for each one. But luckily, I have the only resource you need. Head over to the city applications website, and the information you need for your particular city will be listed.
Once you land on that page, you want to select your state and see which city you should call. All the information will be there for you.
Once you get hold of your local municipal office, they’ll instruct you on what you need to do. In most cases, they will even tell you u[ front whether or not you need a permit.
Most of the forms that you need should be downloadable. You’ll also be given a time frame for when you can drop the documents off. Once all of that is done, all you have to do is wait. (As mentioned earlier, that wait is usually 1 to 6 weeks, depending on how complicated the remodel is).
What Happens If I Remodel My Kitchen Without A Permit?
If you remodel your kitchen without a permit, you can face quite a hefty fine. You might be lucky and only be fined a few hundred dollars. However, you could also be fined $5000 for each violation. These fines are issued for a variety of reasons:
- A lot of remodeling work can be dangerous, so you are discouraged from doing it yourself.
- Doing any sort of electrical work affects the overall grid. It may not seem like a big deal, but the impact can become more severe if you have thousands of people doing it.
- Adding or removing anything from your home affects the value of the surrounding homes.
- Some buildings can cause obstructions, but this is typically done with art buildings and fences.
Can A Contractor Get A Permit For You?
If you plan to remodel your kitchen, regardless of the size of the project, one of the best things you can do is to contact a few contractors. Ask them if your project would require a permit. In most cases, the contractor will be honest with their answer.
If they say that you need a permit, you should ask them if they can get it for you. A qualified contractor will be able to get a permit for you. Yes, you might still have to fill out some forms, but they’ll take care of the rest of the process.
Following the rules and regulations of your city or even your state is essential. After all, you wouldn’t want your neighbor to build a massive fence that obstructs your view or causes issues with your day-to-day life. So the safest thing to do is to check with the right municipal office, (use the link I mentioned above to get through to the right place), and they will tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt if you need a permit or not.