WatchRemodeling a Home From Top to Bottom"Do I really need a permit for this?" We hear it a lot. And I get it. Permits feel like paperwork, extra time and extra cost. But skipping one when it's required can come back to bite you in ways that are a lot more expensive than the permit.
I'm a contractor, not a building official or a lawyer, so I can't tell you what your specific project requires. What I can do is explain how permits generally work around here and how to find out for sure.
Who Decides Whether I Need a Permit?
Your city does. In Denton County and the surrounding area, most permits are handled by the city you live in: Argyle, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lantana, Northlake, Trophy Club, Bartonville, Double Oak, Copper Canyon and others each have their own building department or permitting process. If you're outside city limits, county rules may apply instead. HOAs can have their own approval process on top of that.
The rules aren't the same from town to town, so what your neighbor in the next city did may not apply to you.
What Kinds of Projects Usually Need a Permit?
Every city has its own list, but these commonly require permits:
- Structural changes, like removing or moving walls
- Additions and new square footage
- New or relocated plumbing
- New electrical circuits and significant electrical work
- HVAC replacement or changes
- Gas line work
- Window and door changes that alter openings
- Patio covers, pergolas and outdoor kitchens in many cities
- Roofing in some cities
- Fences, pools and decks
What Usually Doesn't Need a Permit?
Cosmetic work often doesn't, things like painting, new flooring, replacing cabinets in the same spot or swapping fixtures. But "often" isn't "always." Check with your city before you assume.
Why Does a Permit Matter?
A few serious reasons:
- Safety. Inspections catch problems with structure, wiring, plumbing and gas that you can't see once the walls are closed.
- Resale. Buyers and their inspectors may ask about unpermitted work. It can slow down or complicate a sale.
- Fixing it later. Unpermitted work may have to be opened up, inspected or redone.
- Insurance questions. Unpermitted work can raise questions down the road. Ask your agent, not your contractor, how it affects you.
- HOA problems. Skipping HOA approval can mean fines or being told to undo the work.
How Do I Find Out What My Project Needs?
- Check your city's website. Most building departments list which projects need permits.
- Call the building department. Describe your project and ask.
- Check your HOA's rules for exterior changes.
- Ask your contractor how they handle permits, and make sure it's in writing.
Who Pulls the Permit?
On most remodels, the contractor handles permitting as part of the job. If a contractor asks you to pull the permit yourself as the homeowner, ask why. Pulling a permit can put responsibility for the work on the person whose name is on it.
What Happens During Inspections?
Inspections usually happen at certain stages, like after framing or rough-in plumbing and electrical, before walls are closed up, and at the end. Inspection scheduling can affect the timeline, which is one reason remodels sometimes take longer than people expect. See how long does a remodel take.
How Does G3 Handle Permits?
When your project requires permits, we'll explain what's needed, include it in the scope and schedule, and coordinate inspections. Your estimate spells out the exact scope before work begins. If we're not sure whether something needs a permit, we check with the city rather than guessing. Learn more about our process on the remodel page, or read general contractor vs. handyman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen?
It depends on the scope and your city. Moving plumbing, electrical or walls usually triggers one. Cosmetic updates may not.
Does every city in Denton County have the same rules?
No. Each city has its own requirements. Check with yours.
What happens if I skip a required permit?
It can cause problems at resale, and work may have to be opened or redone. Check before you build.
Does G3 handle permits?
When a project requires them, we include permitting and inspections in the scope.
Planning a remodel? Call (945) 300-9018 or use the button below to start your remodel.
Keep learning: see our Remodeling page, read The Top 3 Things to Know Before You Remodel, or read what homeowners say in our customer reviews.
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