A Guide To Home Improvement Permits For Homeowners
Why Getting a Permit Matters
Many types of NC construction, as well as home improvement projects, require permits. Getting those permits in order as you begin a project avoids snags, which can include getting a home improvement project being shut down mid-job.
Years back, there was a project headed by a different contractor who did not obtain proper permits before removing an entire wall of the home for an addition. When the city of Winston Salem became aware of that, they ended up shutting the project down immediately. Unfortunately for the homeowner, that meant that even with a missing wall the construction was paused until the permit issue was resolved.
▶ Meeting NC Residential Building Code.
The permitting process involves inspections throughout the project. This ensures your contractor is working according to North Carolina’s residential code, and protects you from unsafe wiring, improper structural support, plumbing issues, and other problems that might not be visible until it’s too late.
Even where a homeowner might be okay with a contractor cutting corners to save on costs or project time, many of these choices pose safety risks that may not be immediately obvious. We hear stories like this each year.
In fact, a homeowner we talked to recently said that he’d just had his deck built 5 years ago. Because that contractor didn’t flash it correctly, it now needs to be torn down and rebuilt despite otherwise being in good condition. More time and money to make it right. These are exactly the types of scenarios we work with homeowners to avoid.
▶ Unpermitted work can cause issues during the sale of your home.
Unpermitted work is one of the biggest red flags in a home sale. It can delay closing, reduce your home’s value, require expensive corrections, or even void a buyer’s financing. Properly permitted provides peace of mind and avoids these hassles altogether.
Types of Projects That Require Permits in North Carolina
▶ Structural Changes:
Moving or removing load-bearing walls
Changing rooflines
Adding or enlarging windows or doors
Building a deck, porch, or out building
Room additions or finishing an unfinished space (such as attics or basements)
▶ Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Work:
Any time you move, modify, or newly install:
Electrical wiring or service panels
Plumbing lines (supplies and/or drains)
HVAC equipment or ductwork
These forms of trade work always require licensed contractors and permitted oversight for safety and code compliance. Sometimes luxury features you’d see in a higher end kitchen remodel fall into this category as well.
▶ Projects Over $40,000
The overall pricing for the building project can also trigger the requirement for permits. This sometimes comes into play during the bids process, where unlicensed contractors leave items out of the bid to keep the price under this threshold. If you notice some of the bids you collect are noticeably lower than others, this can sometimes be why.
In another article we talked about the value of ensuring a Licensed General Contractor is involved, which is worth a read if you’re planning a big project.
What You Need in Order to Apply for a Permit
Ideally, your licensed contractor will handle this process for you. At Keith Smith Construction, this is something we take care of for homeowners from start to finish.
For reference, here’s what may be required depending on the project:
▶ Basic Forms & Documentation
Completed Building/Improvement Application - The core document required by your local permitting office.
House, Deck, or Addition Plans - Architectural drawings, blueprints, etc.
Necessary Affidavits - Such as wastewater affidavits or accessory structure affidavits.
▶ If You Have a Home Septic System or Building One…
If you’re building a new home, adding a bedroom, or modifying the exterior footprint of your home, such as a deck, you may need to schedule an environmental health evaluation in order to secure building permits.
Interestingly, the county does not consider how many bathrooms your home has, but how many bedrooms to determine the size of your septic system. They base the size of the system on the number of people a home will or could have consistently residing within it which is directly correlated to the number of bedrooms.
▶ If the Footprint of Your Home Changes…
Anything that expands or alters the exterior footprint (room additions, bump-outs, decks, porches) usually requires a site plan. Showing where the new structure will sit relative to property lines, wells, septic systems, and setbacks.
▶ Trade Partner Information
The permitting office needs to know which licensed professionals will be doing the work:
Electrician
Plumber
Mechanical/HVAC Contractor
Your general contractor submits this on your behalf.
▶ Lien Agent Assignment
For projects over $40,000, NC law requires you to appoint a lien agent before work begins. This is part of the permitting package and helps protect you from surprise liens during construction.
Looking to upgrade or expand a part of your home? Check out our Price Calculator for a free, online ballpark estimate.