Permit guide · Remodeling
Do You Need a Permit for a Remodel?
Probably, and it might not be just one permit. A kitchen remodel can trigger building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. A bathroom addition needs all four plus potentially structural engineering. Remodeling is the most complex residential permit category because it can involve every trade in a single project.
This guide covers
- Trade permits
- Structural changes
- Inspections
- Plan review
The short answer
If your remodel is purely cosmetic (painting, flooring, replacing cabinets without moving plumbing, swapping countertops), no permit is needed. The moment you touch structure (removing or moving walls), electrical (new circuits, moving outlets), plumbing (moving fixtures, adding a bathroom), or mechanical (HVAC changes, gas lines), you need permits. Most remodels require at least two separate permits, and each trade gets its own inspection.
What Triggers Each Permit Type
Building Permit
Triggered by: removing or moving walls (especially load-bearing), adding openings (windows, doors), changing the floor plan, converting a space (garage to bedroom, attic to living space), or adding square footage. Load-bearing wall removal always requires engineer-stamped drawings.
Electrical Permit
Triggered by: new circuits, panel upgrades (100A to 200A is common in older homes), moving outlets or switches, adding GFCI or AFCI protection. Kitchen remodels almost always trigger this, since code requires at least two dedicated 20A small appliance circuits and GFCI at all countertop locations. Bathroom remodels require a dedicated 20A GFCI circuit.
Plumbing Permit
Triggered by: moving any fixture (sink, toilet, shower), adding a bathroom, replacing a water heater (many AHJs require this), or running new supply/drain lines. Even "minor" fixture moves involve drain and vent reconfiguration.
Mechanical Permit
Triggered by: new furnace or AC installation, ductwork modifications, gas line work, or adding ventilation. Bathroom exhaust must vent to the exterior (not into the attic). Kitchen range hood venting must comply with local requirements.
High-Risk Items
Load-bearing wall removal is the single highest-risk remodeling activity. Always requires a permit and engineer-stamped plans, and engineering alone costs $500-$2,000. Converting any room to a bedroom triggers emergency escape requirements: the room must have a window with at least 5.7 sq ft of clear opening, minimum 24" height, 20" width, and a sill no more than 44" above the floor. Basement bedrooms require an egress window well. And every rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) must be inspected before drywall goes up. Closing walls before inspection means demolishing and redoing the work.
State-specific notes
Illinois
IL
Most suburban AHJs require separate permits per trade. Chicago has its own building code and requires licensed electricians and plumbers with no homeowner exemption for electrical. Some jurisdictions require a licensed architect for projects exceeding $50K.
Explore Illinois permit rulesWisconsin
WI
UDC applies statewide. State licensing required for electricians (DSPS) and plumbers. Homeowner exemption exists for your own residence but varies by trade and municipality.
Explore Wisconsin permit rulesIndiana
IN
No statewide residential code. Licensed electricians required in most AHJs. Plumber licensing varies. Homeowner exemptions are common outside Indianapolis but check your specific jurisdiction.
Explore Indiana permit rules
Common remodeling permit mistakes
- Starting work before permits are issued (stop work order = project shutdown)
- Not knowing which trades need separate permits (most remodels need 2-4)
- Closing up walls before rough-in inspections (forced demolition and redo)
- Removing load-bearing walls without engineering (structural failure risk)
- Converting rooms to bedrooms without adding egress windows
- DIY electrical or plumbing in jurisdictions that don't allow homeowner work
Start with a free permit check
Enter the address and project so Permitech can identify the permit office, check property context, and research official local sources. Review what we find before deciding whether you want help organizing or filing the permit.
What the free check does
- Step 1: Resolve the propertyMatch the address to its parcel, zoning context, and responsible permit authority.
- Step 2: Research the projectCheck remodeling requirements against official local sources.
- Step 3: Review the resultSee the permit path first, then decide whether you want help organizing the package or filing it.
Built by a former permit tech who processed 500+ building permits per year across IL, WI, and IN. We don't just check if you need a building permit, we check zoning too.
Done For You · from $399
Remodeling Permits Are Complex. Let Us Sort It Out
A single remodel can require 3-6 different permits across multiple trades. Our permit experts identify every permit your project needs, the requirements for each, and the inspection sequence, so you don't get hit with a stop work order or fail an inspection.
Our DIY Permit Package currently covers sheds and garages. For remodeling projects, our Done-For-You team handles the full multi-trade research and coordination.
For contractors
General Contractors: One Platform for Every Permit Type
You do kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and additions. Each project needs different permits in different jurisdictions. Stop managing it all manually.
Our self-serve subscription plans currently cover sheds and garages. For remodeling permits and other project types, we work with contractors on a custom contract basis tailored to your volume and service area. Fill out the quote form and select "Contractor", and we’ll put together a plan that fits your operation.
Request a custom contractor quoteRequest a remodeling permit quote
Tell us about your project and we'll send you a custom quote within 24 hours.
Fields marked with an asterisk are required.