The most likely answer is that finishing an attic without a permit is a bad idea.
If you want to convert wasted attic space into a living area, you are in good company. Many homeowners have discovered that finishing an attic is less costly than an addition, adds unique living space, and can even become a rented room!
However, most attics are not built to live in. As storage areas, they lack the essential components of living space.
To work as a safe and legal living area, attics must be insulated, able to maintain warm temperatures in winter and cool ones in the summer, as well as have sufficient flooring strength to handle the wear and tear of high foot traffic.
In addition, windows, lights, and carpeting are often also needed to make the space habitable. This type of project requires a building permit in most areas.
Why Is a Building Permit Necessary for Finishing an Attic?
Building permits ensure that the project is up to code. Without building permits, many people would complete substandard renovations, including deficits like insufficient support walls, faulty wiring, or weak flooring.
If these deficits became pervasive, anyone purchasing a home would be in danger of getting a nasty and expensive surprise when an essential building element fails. Also, there are potential safety hazards when codes remain unmet.
How Do You Obtain a Building Permit?
You obtain a building permit from your local municipality. Usually, a contractor will apply for and receive the building permit. Building permit applications are notoriously DIY unfriendly. In the case of attic conversions, a structural engineer or contractor are usually needed to draw up plans that meet the codes.
How Much Does a Building Permit Cost?
On average, the cost of a building permit is roughly $1,224. Nationally, homeowners spend anywhere between $391 and $2,076. But it all depends on what city you live in.
In high priced areas, the cost may be as high as $7,500, whereas small towns may only charge $150. You usually need a building permit for structural additions, renovations and even electrical or plumbing projects on your home.
Because attic conversions require structural changes and may also include electric- and plumbing work, a building permit is almost always required.
What If You Convert an Attic Without a Permit?
Unless you are a skilled builder, it is unlikely that you would try to convert your attic as a DIY project. As a result, most homeowners go through a contractor, who is required to obtain a permit before starting work. Converting an attic without a permit may result in fines and other sanctions.
What Are Some Other Types of Residential Building Permits and What Do They Cost?
Garage Conversion Permit Cost
A permit for a garage conversion averages between $1,200 and $1,500. In most cities, this type of project is considered an extension of the home, so it requires an overall building permit. The price is higher because of building aspects like wiring, HVAC installation, outlets, air ducts and vents.
Electrical Permit Cost
Cities charge anywhere from $10 to $500, depending on the amount and complexities of your project’s electrical needs. The cost of electrical permits varies according to:
- the total number of circuits
- amps
- sockets
- outlets installed
Individually, these components are not expensive, but if you are dealing with large quantities and higher voltages, the price can add up fast, which increases your permit costs. Small repairs (such as replacing light fixtures or fixing a ceiling light) do not need a permit. However, any projects that require wiring installation or rewiring to a new placement do require a permit.
Roofing Permit Cost
If you’re planning to re-roof a home, expect the permit to cost between $250 and $500.. The initial building permit covers roofing when remodeling a home, so you can save money if you fold other projects into one permit.
However, a roofing permit is a separate requirement when it is its own project. Typically, a roofing permit covers up to the first 1,000 square feet, then you may need to pay more for any additional square feet. Your contractor should include the cost of a roof permit in your final bill.
Plumbing Permit Cost
The average cost for a plumbing permit is between $50 and $500. Plumbing operates in a similar fashion to electrical work. Because they have similar complexities, they have comparable pricing and permit models. Any plumbing job involving the following will require approval:
- Re-piping
- Drain replacement
- Sewer replacement
- New plumbing installation
- New water heater installation
HVAC Permit Costs
Because HVAC projects involve the installation of air ducts and vents throughout a home, they typically incur permit costs between $250 and $400. On a new build, they fall under a general building permit requirement. For a stand-alone HVAC project, a contractor should be able to include this fee into the total cost of the HVAC project. Even if you’re replacing a broken appliance of this type, you need a permit to pass a final inspection.
Construction Permit Costs
Construction permits cost anywhere from $150 to $2,000. Some permits for individual projects cost as much as a new-home building permit, such as a whole-house renovation. Permits for smaller projects are a fraction of the cost. Here are some examples of projects for which your municipality may require a permit:
- Removing or building interior walls
- Pouring a concrete basement
- Building a patio
- Remodeling a kitchen
- Repairing a ceiling related to construction.
Be sure to check with a contractor, architect, or engineer when mapping out the final costs of the project to ensure that you’re meeting all the right permit requirements. They should be able to include an estimate for the permit in your final price.
Bathroom Permit Costs
Doing repairs to a bathroom or adding one to your home requires a permit, which can cost between $175 and $2,000. You’ll need a permit to execute each of these tasks to pass inspection:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Construction
- HVAC
Many municipalities require individual permits for the above items. A contractor should be able to give you the permit fee in the final estimate or you can check with your local building department for a list of applicable fees.
Building Inspection Fees
Once your project is complete, you may need a building inspector to approve the work or offer an appraisal on your home. On average, homeowners spend just over $300 for this service. The typical range is between $200 and $500.
Do research the costs in your area and get quotes from several inspectors. Also, bear in mind that factors such as home size,complexities, and overall inspection time play a significant role in determining a final price.
Window Permit Cost
To repair or replace existing windows, you will need a permit costing anywhere from $50 to $200. Window permits essure that your new windows must meet certain safety standards and energy saving codes. For example, there are standards for egress, tempered glass, and energy efficiency.
The good news is that window permits can be bought over-the-counter on a per window basis. A permit for one window may cost $50, whereas 2 to 5 windows may cost $200. Be sure to check with your local authorities to map out pricing before starting your project.
Demolition Permit Cost
Demolishing a structure also requires a permit. If you get caught without a permit, you may have to pay up to 200% of the cost of the permit plus the permit fee as a penalty.
When hiring a demolition service, you can expect to pay an average of $200 for the permit. Larger cities, however, may charge much higher demolition permit fees, so be sure to check with your local authorities to nail down the exact price. Contractors should be able to include the cost of demolition and permit for the cleanup of your project in your estimate.
Attic conversions are a great way to add value to your home and provide your family with extra living space. Converted attics make great rec rooms, extra bedrooms, bathrooms, and anything else your imagination can conceive.
Like all other construction projects, permits are usually required. Attic conversions usually require structural changes, electrical work, and plumbing installation, all activities that require permits. When obtaining an estimate for an attic conversion, your contractor should be able to provide the cost of the permits in the final estimate.
