When do i need a permit?
When embarking on a home remodeling project, the excitement of envisioning your new space can often overshadow the practicalities involved, particularly the need for obtaining permits. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that both licensed and unlicensed contractors frequently try to bypass this critical step. The reasons behind this tendency range from wanting to expedite the process and avoid additional costs, to skirting stringent building codes and inspections that could uncover existing violations or subpar workmanship. However, understanding the importance of permits and ensuring they are acquired can protect you from potential legal and financial repercussions, ultimately safeguarding your investment and peace of mind.
When considering building a new home or even a custom home, it’s still important to understand the building permit and inspections process. It is important to know that your custom home builder or general contractor understands and follows all of these regulations to make for a successful project, and to avoid delays and financial penalties.
The requirements are explicitly laid out in the North Carolina statutes GS 143-148 North Carolina State Building Code and 160D-1110. Building permits.
When structural work is happening, a building permit is required.
When the total cost of the work is above $20,000.00, a building permit is required.
When the total cost of the work at one property is over $40,000.00, a licensed contractor must be assigned to the work, unless the homeowner acts as the general contractor and performs all of the required duties of pulling the permit and scheduling inspections. An unlicensed contractor cannot perform work where over $40,000.00 is being performed at on address.
Licensed, unlicensed, or homeowner as contractor, cannot separate portions of the job, or contract the work separately to avoid pulling a building permit.
Trade permits are required when any work other than replacing a fixture 1 for 1 is being completed. Think about it like this, if you have to open a wall up to perform the work, or the work involves moving the location of existing water, electric, or hvac, a permit is almost certainly required.
Check out the full details in the statues:
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