Do I Need a Permit for a Home Remodel?
Most structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work needs a permit; cosmetic updates usually don't. The exact rules are set by your city or county, so the safe move is to check locally before you start — and to check whether past work on the home was permitted.
Work that almost always needs a permit
- Moving or adding walls, or any change to the structure or footprint (additions, ADUs, garage conversions).
- New or relocated electrical circuits, panel upgrades, and most new wiring.
- New or moved plumbing — repipes, water heaters, and relocating fixtures.
- HVAC installs and duct changes, new windows or doors that change the opening, roofing tear-offs, and decks above a certain height.
Work that usually doesn't
- Painting, flooring, cabinet refacing, countertops, and fixture swaps that reuse existing connections.
- Minor repairs and like-for-like replacements are typically exempt — but 'like-for-like' is the key phrase. Once you move a fixture or add a circuit, you're back in permit territory.
Why permits matter when you buy or sell
- Unpermitted work can stall a sale, fail an appraisal, or void insurance after a claim. Buyers increasingly check permit history before making an offer.
- You can look up the permits on file for any address with Reno HomeIQ — a fast way to spot work that was never inspected before you buy or remodel.
FAQ
What happens if I remodel without a permit?
You risk stop-work orders, fines, having to open finished work for inspection, and problems at resale or insurance-claim time. Pulling a permit after the fact is usually possible but costs more.
How do I check permit requirements for my city?
Requirements are set by your local building department. Start by checking the permit history and property record for your address, then confirm scope-specific rules with the city.
Does a contractor pull the permit?
Licensed contractors typically pull permits as part of the job. Confirm it's included in writing — the permit should be in the contractor's name, not yours, so they carry the liability.