Thinking About Renovating? Check With Your Building Department First

May 22, 2025 at 01:00 AM EDT

SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) From updating an outdated kitchen to adding a home office, home renovations can be exciting. Before you dive in, it’s critical to understand the local safety requirements that impact your projects.

The International Code Council’s annual Building Safety Month campaign raises awareness about the role that building codes play in keeping us all safe and the important work done by building safety professionals, including those in your local building department. Kevin McOsker, the Code Council’s vice president of Technical Resources, offers advice to help you renovate safely:

First, Meet With Your Local Building Department

Before beginning any home improvement project, you’ll want to meet with your local building department. They can walk you through the local building codes as well as the process for obtaining permits and inspections. Failing to meet the requirements outlined in the code can result in unsafe living conditions, failed inspections or costly rework.

To contact your local building department, start with your city or county’s official website and look for the building or planning department. You can also call your city hall or visit in person.

Remember, building departments want to help make your project a success. Some building departments even have approved details and drawings to assist you with simple permits, construction and inspections.

When reaching out, ask:

• Do I need a permit for this type of work?

• How much does the permit cost?

• Are there specific code requirements in my area?

• How do I schedule inspections and when should they happen?

Next, Secure a Permit and Inspection

A building permit is an official approval that allows you to proceed with a renovation or construction project. Permits are crucial because they ensure your project is safe and in compliance with local building codes and regulations. These regulations are designed to keep you safe from hazards inside the building as well as protect you from extreme weather events.

Skipping the permit process can lead to additional fees, stop-work orders or even complications when selling your home. In some jurisdictions, it may even be a misdemeanor offense that could carry significant fines.

Once you’ve secured a building permit, you’ll need an inspection. Building inspections are an official review of your renovation at key milestones during the construction process. They’re conducted by a certified professional to confirm that the work being done complies with local building code requirements.

Common Home Renovation Mistakes

• Skipping Permits to Save Time or Costs: Skipping permits often leads to greater expenses later if youre fined, assessed additional fees or could even require you to redo completed construction work at your expense.

• Assuming Minor Changes Don’t Require Approval: Even small updates can greatly impact safety and need permits and inspections.

• Hiring Unlicensed Contractors: They may not follow the code, have no license to perform the work and usually do not carry any insurance, which puts your project and your home at risk. Licensed contractors are accountable to the licensing board, just like your doctor.

• Failing to Schedule Necessary Inspections: Without a final sign-off, your project may be considered incomplete, non-compliant or worse – create an unsafe condition.

Use Building Safety Professionals as a Resource

By working with your local building department, you can ensure your project meets standards, avoids legal issues and creates a safe space for everyone in your home.

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Photo Credit: (c) Prot Tachapanit / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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Thinking About Renovating? Check With Your Building Department First

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