Small home renovations that don´t require a permit: find out what they are

There are many small jobs at home that don't require a permit and that you can start doing without any paperwork.

Do you want to know which small works at home don't require a permit or any paperwork or authorizations? In this article we're going to give you some insight into what you can and can't do without having to report it.

At some point in our lives, we all want to remodel our homes. The only question is whether that remodeling will require permits and licenses from the local council. As a general rule, the work that requires a municipal permit is that which affects the structure of the house or the façade (and can, of course, involve other people).

We're talking here about major construction work, such as allotment operations, reconstruction that increases the height of the façade or the number of floors, or the conservation, reconstruction, extension, alteration or demolition of buildings.

For smaller works, such as installing a swimming pool in the backyard, prior notification to the council is sufficient. Then there are jobs that don't even require any formalities, such as laying tiles or restoring a room.

Altering the façade of a building, rebuilding a house in ruins, closing off a balcony (sometimes) or putting up scaffolding are works that almost always require a permit or at least a notice. But the best thing to do here is to check with your local authority.


10 SMALL HOME WORKS THAT DON'T REQUIRE A PERMIT

The premise goes something like this: as long as the work doesn't jeopardize the stability of the property (pillars, beams, slabs or supporting walls), nor does it involve changing the height of the house or its floors, or the shape of the façades or roof, there's no need to notify the council.

Here's a list of some small home renovations that don't require a permit.


1 - Painting the inside of the house

This type of work does not need to be notified to the town hall, unless you live in a classified house or one that is in the process of being classified (a building of municipal interest, for example).
You can paint your house whatever color you want, however you want and you don't need a permit.


2- Fixing the roof

Fixing the roof is another of the small jobs in the house that don't require a permit, as long as the roof is in the same condition as it was in the first place.


3- Installing photovoltaic panels

If you're thinking of installing photovoltaic panels on the roof and they don't exceed the roof area of the building or its height by one meter, you don't have to do any formalities.


4 - Demolishing interior walls

Yes, that's right. As long as the demolition in question does not threaten the stability of the fraction or the building, nor does it involve changing the height of the house or its floors, or the shape of the façades or roof, you can carry it out.

In the case of a building, all you have to do is put up a notice to carry out the work.


5 - Changing the interior coverings

Changing the floor or walls in your home is also on the list of small home renovations that don't require a permit. You can indulge your inner decorator and choose the patterns and sizes you want!


6 - Change the design

When it comes to decorating your home, you can of course do this at will. Whether it's changing the arrangement of furniture, putting up curtains or even hanging pictures. 


7 - Build a porch

If you want to build a porch, or put a pergola on your house, you can do so without needing one, as it is an intervention considered to have little urban impact. However, there are some limits to consider: 10 square meters in area and 2.20 meters in height.


8 - Refurbishing a bathroom or kitchen

You can carry out work on these two rooms, completely redesigning them, without asking for permission from the town hall.


9 - Changing doors and windows

For reasons of comfort or soundproofing, changing doors and windows is an excellent way of making your home safer. You can change the windows, frames and doors as you please. However, if you live in an apartment, you may need the permission of all the owners - for this you should consult the condominium regulations, as the work cannot alter the look of the building. 


10 - Roof and photovoltaic panels

If the new roof is the same as the previous one, you don't need a permit.

If you also want to take the opportunity to install a photovoltaic panel, then you can also do so without a permit, as long as the equipment does not exceed the coverage area of the house, nor does it exceed its height by one meter.

Important note: if in doubt, always contact your local authority. This way you can always be sure that everything is in order and you won't be surprised by an unwanted fine. In addition, you should bear in mind the hours established by law for carrying out construction work: on working days, from 8am to 8pm.





Source: ekonomista