A common question that many homeowners have is “Do I need a building permit for that?” There are a lot of misconceptions and even fear about building permits, but the bottom line is that in addition to being legally required for many projects, they’re also a good thing for the community, helping to ensure quality construction and safe buildings.

Here are some of the more frequently asked questions about building permits.

Q: What projects require a building permit?

A: Large projects, such as a new house, a room addition, building a shop or garage, or doing major structural remodeling will always require permits. Beyond that, as a general rule permits are required for just about anything that involves an alteration to a building or to the building’s systems (electrical, plumbing, etc.), or for anything that impacts the health and safety of the building’s occupants. For example, things like painting, new roofing, replacing an existing stove or water heater, or changing kitchen cabinets do not typically require permits, while things like adding a new window, running a new electrical circuit, installing a wood stove, or adding another sink or toilet to the existing plumbing system would usually require one.

Q: How do I find out if need one?

A: Before beginning any project, a quick stop at the building department will answer all your questions. The staff will tell you if permits are required, what types are needed, what type of information and plans to provide, and what the cost will be.

Q: Who issues the permits?

A: Typically, if you are within the city limits of a particular city, the permit will be obtained through the building department of that city. Outside the city limits, it’s obtained through the county in which the property is located. In some increasingly rare instances, the permit is actually issued by the state.

Q: Do I get the permits, or does my contractor?

A: Permits can be obtained by you as the homeowner, or by your contractor who acts as your agent. Contractors may charge a small fee for their time in obtaining the permits, but the advantage is that they are typically more familiar with what to ask for and what information to provide.

Q: What types of permits do I need?

A: The most common ones are building (which covers the actual structure); plumbing; electrical; mechanical (heating and cooling systems and ventilation fans); and septic. Depending on the project, there may also be more specialized permits such as low-voltage wiring (for things like thermostats, door bells, alarm systems, etc.); wood stove installation; gas piping; and others.

Q: What information do I need to get the permit?

A: It depends on the project, and can also vary between building departments. For a new house, you’ll

typically need a site plan (showing the location of the house on the property); a floor plan; elevations (showing what the outside looks like); and structural details showing the foundation, beam and lumber sizes, manufactured trusses, and other specifics. Smaller projects may require only a floor plan, and some require no drawings at all.

Q: How does the inspection process work?

A: When you have completed a particular phase of the project — the framing or the rough electrical wiring, for example — you will call for an inspection. The inspector will typically come out the next working day, and inspect the work up to that point. He or she will then either approve the work, allowing you to move on to the next phase of the project, or will give you specific correction requirements. When you first obtain your permits the Building Department staff can explain what inspections you’ll need, and at what stage.

Q: What happens if I fail an inspection?

A: You will need to make all of the necessary corrections before moving on. Once the corrections have been made, you’ll usually need to call for a reinspection of those corrections.

Q: Can the inspectors look at other parts of the house that aren’t being worked on under this permit?

A: Typically only if they see a dangerous situation. For example, they may check the electrical panel and other wiring to make sure it’s safe, or they may require an inspection of your septic system if it’s considered undersized or in poor condition. Again, the inspectors are only concerned about situations that threaten the health and safety of the home’s occupants.

Q: Should I keep all of the paperwork I get?

A: Definitely. When you go to sell your home, many of today’s buyers are smart enough to request verification that any work done on the home was done with a permit, and was properly inspected. Keep a file of all your receipts, official plans, completed inspection cards, and other papers related to the project.

Q: What happens if I don’t get a permit?

A: Building permits are required by law, so there are some legal consequences if you are caught working without one. First, the inspector will typically order that work be stopped until it can be determined exactly what you’re doing, how much work has been completed, and if you’ve violated any building codes. You will then be required to obtain the necessary permits — typically at a higher rate than if you had obtained the proper permits in the first place — and to correct any unsafe work. Often worst of all, the inspectors may require that you remove already competed work to make it accessible to them for inspection — such as tearing out new drywall to access concealed electrical wiring.