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Do I Need a Permit? A Homeowner's Guide to Home Improvement Permits

Which projects usually need a building permit, how to check with your city, and why skipping one can cost you later.

Published Oct 25, 2026. 1 min read.

Permit rules are set by your city or county, so the honest answer to "do I need a permit?" is: check locally. But some patterns hold across most of the US.

Usually needs a permit

  • Electrical panels, new circuits and most wiring changes
  • Water heaters, and plumbing changes that move pipes
  • Air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps
  • Kitchen and bathroom remodels that change plumbing, electrical or walls

Often or sometimes needs one

  • Roof replacements and fences (and HOAs may have their own rules)
  • Siding and window replacements, especially when openings change size

Rarely needs one

  • Painting, new floor coverings and like-for-like fixture swaps

How to check

Search for your city or county name plus "building permit", or call the building department. Many have a list of exempt work online.

Who pulls the permit?

Usually the contractor. Get it in writing, because unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance claims and when you sell. See our permit guide for each project type.

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