John R. Wood Properties
Barry Dunleavy, John R. Wood PropertiesPhone: (239) 877-6445
Email: [email protected]

Residential projects requiring a build permit: What you need to know

by Barry Dunleavy 02/18/2024

Before you make any major changes to your property, investigate what type of build permit you need. Even if you’re just remodeling your home, construction permits are required for most projects. Here is a basic guide to the types of major home remodeling projects requiring a permit:

Demolition

If you’re demolishing any outdoor or indoor structure, you’ll need a residential building permit. Any significant remodel involving demolition requires an interior remodeling permit and an inspection to ensure proper debris removal.

Interior remodeling

Major changes to the interior of your home require a remodeling permit. You don’t need a permit to paint, wallpaper or replace furniture. However, for projects like full bathroom or kitchen renovations involving plumbing and electrical systems, you will require a permit.

Additions

Are you thinking about adding space or extra rooms to your home? If so, a construction permit is required to make sure the work is done correctly and safely. Some common examples of such projects include building a guest suite or expanding the garage.

Decks without a roof

Building a deck requires a permit, especially if it’s off the ground. This type of permit ensures proper quality for safety reasons. Having a permit prevents you from being liable if a guest happens to injure themselves due to poor deck building practices.

Roofing for decks or patios

If you already have a deck or patio and want to build a roof over it, make sure to obtain a construction permit. This also includes any trellises or large pergolas.

Permanent water features

Adding a permanent pool, hot tub, spa or pond requires a specific building permit. These permits are required to prevent accidental issues with local water systems and the property itself.

While the construction permit process might seem tedious, it’s important to obtain the necessary permissions before making significant changes to your home or property. Keep these projects in mind if you’re planning any major renovations.

About the Author
Author

Barry Dunleavy

Over 25 Years in the Real Estate Industry. Former Senior Managing Director with responsibility for oversight of real estate businesses in Canada and Latin America including CEO of Canadian-based bank; prior to that Sr. Managing Director Construction Financing to large residential builders throughout the USA. He has a BA and MBA in Finance. Memberships include the Naples Board of Realtors, Graduate Realtors Institute, Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, Florida Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Community activities include New Horizons of Southwest Florida volunteer teaching math and reading to at-risk 3rd to 5th graders while being Chair of their 2016-2018 Golf Event and also involved with the Christian Businessmen's Connection. 2014 Awarded the Distinguished Volunteer for Collier County. He was a former Board of Governors of Hazeltine National Golf Club, host of the upcoming 2016 Ryder Cup Championship.