There are lots of ways to update the look of your home or garage. Some of these ways are more involved than others and require permits. Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Phoenix, AZ has a handy guide to help you figure out whether or not you need to get a building permit.
Why Do We Need Building Permits?
While it can seem unnecessary to have building permits with all of their regulations, they serve an important role. Building permits enforce codes that maintain standards of safety, accessibility, and structural stability. Without them, buildings can end up being built the cheapest way possible rather than the safest way possible.
When Do I Need A Permit?
Generally speaking, permits are required for larger, more complex jobs like renovations. If you are changing or removing the basic structure of your garage or home, you’ll likely need a building permit. The following types of projects will likely require you to get a permit:
- Creating a new doorway
- Creating a new window
- Changes to electrical systems
- Changes to plumbing
- Adding, moving, or removing walls
- Adding on to the garage
Smaller projects that don’t directly impact the building’s structure usually don’t require a building permit. When in doubt, ask your local building inspector’s office for direction. If you’re performing cosmetic upgrades like the following, you are probably fine without one.
- Putting up aluminum or vinyl siding
- Painting the door or walls
- Replacing shingles and tar paper
- Replacing existing windows without cutting a new hole or widening the existing one
- Installing new doors without cutting a new hole or widening the existing one
- Upgrading flooring
- Adding cabinetry
How Do I Get The Permit?
Ultimately, it falls to the homeowner to make sure the proper paperwork has been submitted and a permit obtained. If you are having work done by a contractor or construction company, they may handle that part for you, but you have to verify that it’s been done properly. Submit plans for your work outlining the exact scope and timeline.
During the renovation, you will need to display your permit somewhere easily visible. You may get a visit from the building inspector to make sure you are following your plans and appropriate building codes. If this is the case, you need to be able to demonstrate how you’re following the plans you submitted for the permit.
Contact Us For Garage Door Service
Dramatic improvement in the look of your home can be achieved without doing major renovations. A simple coat of paint on your garage door and the main door can do wonders. Adding decorative hardware, false windows, or any number of other tweaks can make a big difference.
Let Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Phoenix, Arizona work with you to find the best solutions to get the improvements you’re looking for. Our certified technicians can help you with choosing new colors and styles of a garage door and installing a brand new one. Anytime, 24/7, we’re always just a phone call away, so don’t wait any longer!
