how far can i push the work in my home before i need a permit?

Question

before the state my require someone with a licence to do the work aka a plumber or a electrian. I live in new jersey

Answer 1

In some states you can do much of your own work. You could get a master electrician to come to oversee your work and help you with the permitting and the same with the plumbing.
Where I live the garbagemen turn in people working without a permit.

Answer 2

In large measure answer number one has the clue.

What you do within the confines of your house are not strictly code enforceable, other than plumbing, electrical, and structural modifications that might cause undue stress on load bearing points.

The issue truly is about revenue for any municipality, although in a general sense for your consideration it SHOULD be about liability too. EX: You decide that some type of "fire pit" would be a nice addition to a family room. If by chance the fire in the fire pit isn't managed or vented properly, and your house catches fire, or people die from the effects, that would constitue a liability to someone.

External modifications are often governed by municipalities that already have "rules" in place regarding lot lines, easements, etc.

From a construction standpoint, and as a DIY, I'd never advise adding any type of second level to a single story home without researching the possibilities of effects.

The idea of using licensed trades, for plumbing and electrical is pretty much to keep your liability at a minimum, give you recourse if a job goes bad, and for the tradesman it also offers a few things. They can recoup education and licensing costs, as well as add credibility to the name and reputation they promote.

Certainly to hang a new light fixture, ceiling fan, install a bathroom vanity or fixtures; replace flooring or counter tops; install doors internally; are things even a DIY might get away with, unscathed.

Steven Wolf
(The Rev.)

Answer 3

I believe New Jersey is run by unions, so probably the minute you apply for a work permit you will most likely be required to have someone with a license not only do all the work, but possibly fill out the paperwork for you...

Answer 4

The other problem with permits is that if you do any significant improvents the city will want to raise your property taxes.

My only advice is that I wouldn't pile all the construction debris in front of your home on Garbage day. Around here the inspectors like to drive around on garbage day and thats how they catch most people doing work without permits.

Put the Junk in your garage and then get a U-haul and bring it to the dump yourself.

Answer 5

You can do all the work yourself as long as you get the permits and have the work inspected my the county inspector. You do not need a licenced plumber or electrician

Answer 6

Basically.. you can replace or repair existing things in your house with comparable materials, without permit, handymen should operate within these guidlines, and be used accordingly.
New electrical, plumbing or improvements need permitting partly to ensure code compliance, but, unfortunately, or fotunately, sometimes for assessment value.
you could invalidate you insurance, re-sale of you house, or liability.
FORTUNATELY, you can probably get a homeowners permit if you provide even rough sketches proving you know whae your doing.
40 year plus guy says put in your own fan! do you know you need approved boxes? and where are you going to get the third wire for the fan control?

Answer 7

You can do what you want so long as none of your nosey neighbors see it. You have my sympathy for living in The People's Republic of New Jersey. Have you considered moving to a free section of the USA ?

Answer 8

You can push it as far as you can until you get caught by an inspector or assessor. Then you'll have to pay back whatever fines you would owe for the illegal building you have executed.

Answer 9

As long as no one else sees it while you've got everything apart then the gov is none the wiser :D

Answer 10

Maybe pounding one nail will do it, maybe $600.00 in work will do it. If it's something simple and you can do it without a problem, do it, keep you mouth shut.