Tag Archives: remodeling

Do I Need a Building Permit for My Remodel?

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Depending upon the extent of your home remodel, you may need a building permit. Don’t worry, any reputable contractor has pulled plenty of permits and likely has fantastic relationships with inspectors as well. 

If you’re adding square footage, for example, your renovation will require a building permit. Major plumbing and electrical work also trigger a permit. And building permits mean that plans need to be submitted and approved by the town. 

“When electrical or plumbing work is to be done, a licensed professional must be added to the permit as well. Permitting offices do this for safety reasons to comply with the state’s department of insurance regulations as well as to calculate taxes.” Divitia Realty

How Much Will Building Permits Cost?

Are you worried about the associated costs for pulling permits? According to Home Advisor, building permit fees can run anywhere from $424 to $2,234. Contact your local zoning department to find out more.

“If you intend to take on a building project or remodel a home, permits are serious requirements upheld by state and local authorities to ensure compliance with building code safety.” Home Advisor

It’s not recommended that the homeowner pull permits, unless they are also acting as the general contractor. You want a reputable contractor to be on record for the construction. Fly-by-night contractors often ask the homeowner to submit plans, but that may indicate a lapse in their license or insurance. Be careful with that. 

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When is a Good Time for a Kitchen Remodel?

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A lot of customers ask, “When is a good time for a kitchen remodel?” Of course, that answer depends on a number of factors. Will you be living in the home? Are you frequently entertaining guests? Where do you spend the holidays?

This is why we approach every kitchen remodel as a unique project. With that said, the best time for a kitchen remodel may actually be the spring and summer seasons. The time a remodel takes depends, of course, on the availability of your cabinets, surfaces, and appliance choices as well.

How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?

On average a major kitchen remodel takes 12-20 weeks. Of course, this can vary depending upon your square footage. Cosmetic changes involving fewer subcontractors can be done in 3-5 weeks. How quickly the remodel takes depends upon your tolerance for disruption as well as your self-awareness of your actual budget. Don’t forget, every design change adds time to the project schedule. 

“Kitchen remodels are unique because they require a lot of moving parts and coordination of electricians, plumbers and other subcontractors, some of whom must wait for the work of others to be completed (for example, cabinets before your sink) before they can proceed.” HGTV

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