Permit guide · Remodeling
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.
Enter your address to find your building department, then answer a few questions to see if you likely need a permit.
What's an AHJ?
The specific city, village, or county office that issues permits. Their boundaries don't always match your mailing address.
GPS-verified
We cross-check your coordinates against municipal boundary polygons, not just ZIP codes.
Wrong AHJ = weeks lost
Filing with the wrong building department means your application sits unreviewed.
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 we check
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.
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.
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.
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.
Process
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.
Per state
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.
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.
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.
Watch for these
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For contractors
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