What home renovation projects need a permit in Milwaukee?
Homeowners often find themselves wanting to remodel their homes to enhance their living spaces. Whether it’s revamping the kitchen, adding extra rooms, or constructing an outdoor deck, these projects can breathe new life into a home. But before diving headfirst into renovations, it's important to understand the permitting process to avoid potential hurdles down the road. Let’s explore the remodeling projects that require permits in Milwaukee and the issues that may arise if you don’t get permits.
Understanding remodeling permits
Remodeling permits are required legal documents obtained from the Milwaukee government that grant homeowners permission to alter or renovate their properties. These permits ensure that construction projects follow safety regulations and building codes, safeguarding both occupants and the structural integrity of the home. In Milwaukee, various remodeling projects need permits, ranging from minor electrical work to extensive home expansions. Let's explore some of these projects in detail:
- Removing load-bearing structures: Any alteration to load-bearing walls or structural parts of a home requires a permit in Milwaukee. This ensures that changes do not compromise the stability of the building.
- Enlarging the house: Adding extra rooms or expanding living spaces typically involves significant structural changes and requires permits.
- Electrical work: Whether rewiring a room or installing new fixtures, electrical work requires permits to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent hazards such as electrical fires.
- Fencing: Erecting fences around a property may seem straightforward, but certain regulations govern fence height, materials, and placement. Obtaining a permit ensures that fencing projects adhere to municipal guidelines.
- Adding a garage or driveway: Constructing a new garage or driveway requires permits to ensure proper zoning and adherence to building codes.
- Adding a fireplace or chimney: Installing a fireplace or chimney needs permits to ensure proper ventilation, fire safety, and compliance with building codes.
- Swimming pools: The installation of swimming pools, whether above-ground or in-ground, requires permits to address safety concerns and compliance with pool fencing regulations.
- Roofing: Structural changes to the roof, such as adding skylights or altering its design, need permits to ensure structural integrity and weatherproofing.
- Plumbing: Any modifications or installations involving plumbing require permits to ensure compliance with plumbing codes and regulations.
Can I remodel my house without a permit?
Most remodel jobs require a permit. Things like installing new kitchen counters and painting don’t require a permit, but if you’re wondering, “Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen?” the answer is most likely yes. Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms requires plumbing and electrical work, and those are two jobs that need permits. What about basement remodel permits? The Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services says, “You must submit plans for any home alteration project that involves building new rooms in the basement, including bathrooms, before a building permit can be issued.”
General contractors or subcontractors may aid with permit applications if you hire them to work on your project, but DIY homeowners are responsible for getting permits themselves.
How to navigate the permit process for house renovations
There are a few steps you should take to obtain the correct permits in Milwaukee.
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Permit requirements: Before starting a project, homeowners should research and learn whether permits are needed for their planned renovations. The city of Milwaukee has an online reference page about which projects require a permit. If you’re unsure, call the Development Center or email your questions to DevelopmentCenterInfo@milwaukee.gov.
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Applying for a permit: If you need permits, you can apply through the Milwaukee permitting department online. You can also visit their office at Plan Exam & Permits, 809 N. Broadway, 1st Floor, by appointment.Fees for permits are usually 1% of the renovation cost. Several different permits may be needed—for example, electrical and plumbing.
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Seek variances if necessary: In some cases, your project may not line up with zoning regulations or building codes. Homeowners can apply for variances to request exceptions to these requirements. Having a variance granted is like the city permitting department saying, "This situation is a bit different, but we'll allow it anyway."
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Permit approval: Upon submission of permit applications, authorities review the proposed projects to ensure compliance with regulations. Once permits are granted, construction can go ahead as planned.
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Inspections: After completing the work, inspections are needed to verify that renovations match the approved plans and meet safety standards. Once the inspection is signed off on, the process is finished.
Selling a house with unpermitted renovations
Undertaking renovations without proper permits can cause issues when selling a home in Milwaukee. Unpermitted work may cause problems with the sale process because potential buyers may hesitate to buy a property that has possible safety concerns. When selling, owners in Wisconsin must disclose improvements and whether or not permits were obtained.
Mortgage lenders typically won’t finance homes with unpermitted renovations, and city fines or insurance implications may further complicate matters. In fact, your insurance company can drop your policy if they learn of unpermitted work in your home.
Additionally, if unpermitted work is discovered, the city could require it to be demolished and done over again with a permit.
Simplify your house sale if you have unpermitted renovations
There's a solution for homeowners who are facing challenges with unpermitted work. We Buy Ugly Houses® in Milwaukee specializes in buying houses "as is," even if renovations were done without permits. Our streamlined home-buying process offers sellers a hassle-free alternative to traditional selling methods. We provide solutions to all sorts of situations that cause problems for sellers, and our customers give us glowing reviews. With fast offers and quick closings, we alleviate the stress and uncertainty of selling homes with unpermitted work. Additionally, we have no hidden fees and pay typical closing costs. Our offers are usually below market value in exchange for speed and a stress-free sale.
Reach out to us for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly Milwaukee property buyers. We’ll tour your house at your convenience and answer any questions you have. We can sometimes provide an offer for your house the same day. If you accept, we can potentially close in as little as 3 weeks, and we’ll do our best to work with you to find a closing date that fits your needs.
Learn more about how we can help you move forward by contacting us today!
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
