Obtaining electrical, plumbing and HVAC permits have special requirements.
“Should I Get a Residential Building Permit in North Carolina?” Before you start calling contractors to do some home improvement projects, it's smart to check if you need a permit for it.
Often, your listing agent will ask if you have a permit for any additions or renovations you have made to the home. When it turns out that a permit is required but you did not obtain one, then you will have to obtain a permit before you can increase the value of your home. This will mean extra work for you and potentially delay the sale of your home. Let's go over some of the things you need to know about permits in our area.
When is a permit required? In North Carolina, you need a permit for different residential construction projects, including but not limited to:
• Construction, installation and repair of single-family and duplex homes
• Renovations of sheds and outbuildings.
• Interior renovations
• Terraces, patios and paving stones
• Driveways, pools, hot tubs, spas, fences and retaining walls
• Demolition projects
“A permit is not required for a non-structural upgrade that costs less than $40,000.”
In addition to those mentioned above, specific permits are also required for the following home renovation projects:
1. Electrical permits They are necessary if you are installing, changing or repairing your home's electrical systems. However, if you hire a licensed electrician to replace a light fixture, switch or receptacle, a permit is not required.
2. Plumbing Permits They are necessary when installing, relocating or replacing plumbing systems. Minor repairs and replacements that do not affect the water supply, waste supply or ventilation systems do not require a permit.
3. Mechanical or HVAC permits They are necessary when installing, expanding, relocating or replacing your air conditioning system. You must also apply for a permit if you are converting an appliance to a different type of gas, for example, from propane to natural gas.
When is a permit NOT required? You do not need a permit for a non-structural upgrade that costs less than $40,000. However, keep in mind that if your renovation project includes plumbing, electrical, or HVAC changes, you will still need specific permits, even if a general building permit is not required. Interestingly, a permit is not required for ADUs that are no taller than 12 feet.
Here are other renovations that typically don't require permits include:
• Replacement of windows and doors
• Exterior siding replacements
• Replacing stair treads with pickets
• Terraces on porches
• Replacing a water heater (as long as the new unit uses the same power source and is installed by a licensed plumber)
What I shared were just general requirements, And it's still important to call your local permitting authority. to make sure you are following the rules. As always, if you have questions about a building permit and if you need one, please feel free to contact me at (email protected) either (919) 759-6359.
