What building permit is needed to finish my basement. My friends said that I dont have to get one.?

Answer 1

Check your local building codes. They very from State to State. But ours are; you can do anything you want 'inside' your home.

Answer 2

As others have said, your city or county determines what permits are needed. Typical permits: general construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical (heating / air condition, gas lines, vents, fireplace, etc.)

The downside of not getting permits can be costly. If your city or county discovers that you did remodelling without the permits, they could require you to apply for permits, pay penalties, and remove some of the finishing work to inspect the covered electrical, plumbing, etc work, to make sure it meets codes. Or tell you to demolish the improvements.

If your state or municipality has strict disclosure laws when you go to sell your house, then doing any remodelling without permits could be problematic if the buyer discovers you had unpermitted work done and decides that you committed fraud during the sale.

Answer 3

Building codes don't just vary state to state, but by municipality as well. Normally, unless you're knocking down load bearing walls (walls that run perpendicular to the joists above them) there aren't any restrictions. Check with the building inspectors in your town/county if you're not sure.

Answer 4

As the others have said, it varies with state, city, etc.
In particular:
Electrical work, generally most places will like you to get any eletrical work inspected.
Plumbing, they get picky about that too.
Now if it's just drywall? Adding a few walls? I'd say not to bother. But if plumbing and electrical are involved, I'd get one.

Answer 5

In most states you do have to get one....better to call city hall and find out than to be sorry later on! Find out for sure.

Answer 6

be assured when you get a permit, the property tax man will also come