Do I need a building permit to convert the garage into a family room?
Question:We took out a window and put a doorway into the garage there, and then basically we left the garage door in place but put sheetrock over the door on the inside. Before we finish the room and paint it, do we need to get a permit? Is it too late for a permit? I want to make sure this square footage counts as "house" and not "garage." Tx!
Answers:
As others have noted, you need to check with your local building codes, as they vary from city to city.
That being said, my 2¢? If increasing the livable, saleable space of your house is the goal, then get the permits. Good reasons include:
• If there is ever any damage to your home, i.e. fire, your insurance claim will be seriously affected
• Not having a "legal" remodel will influence the asking price of your home in case you ever want to sell
• If the space is "found out," you might have to pay a fine. (This happened to someone I know.)
As far as the space counting as "house," you need to make sure that you've done what's necessary for it to count as heated, living space. Typically, that means having the proper electrical and insulation, which would have to be inspected prior to drywalling.
So, yeah. Permits are a pain, but in the long run you'll be better for it and so will your house.
Depends on the codes for your area - call your local code enforcement rep.
If you ensure the square footage is living space - your assessment & taxes will go up.
hi
check with your township building dept.
Usually yes you need a building permit, plans of renovation and approx. the cost of the renovation
also inspection has to be done to make sure all work is up to code
good luck
30 yrs master carpenter
if you already put sheetrock on it's too late. if you pull a permit the inspectors will make you take it down to see inside the walls. If you don't pull a permit the city won't recognize the additional sq. ft.
yup you sure do, the county wants its money
Well, it is a bit late to properly do the permitting at this point. As someone said, you may have to open up the walls for inspection, especially if you have run electricity.
I have a sneaking suspection that the drywall over the door is not going to fly with building codes, depending on how you installed it. Also, you may have trouble in the future with water infiltration as the rubber gaskets around the door age, which could lead to damp/mold problems behind you new wall, if it was done improperly.
If you plan to sell the house, you should definately stop and get advice from an inspector or contractor before you invest any more money into a project that you may need to rip out later.
Good Luck, and I hope things work out for the best.
I would say "yes" you do need a permit. You might have to have an inspector come out and look at what you have done in order to keep the house within the codes of your city. ie electrical codes. Your city clerks office would be most help with what you need to do.
Depends on where you live and who hears you. We had neighbors that did this and all went well. If you have the garage door and it's not being removed you shall be fine. If you are removing the door and filling in with siding you will be looking for a permit. A permit need to be applied for prior to any work and displayed where it can be seen from the street. If you want to count as house footage you will need to remove the garage door and all related items. Yes, get a permit, you will need it.
Any structural construction will require a permit also you will probably be adding electrical outlets. If you get caught ypically there will be a fine involved of multiples of the permit fee and they may require you to take down all the previous work so theycan inspect the rough work. Get the permit.
My sister did this recently... she made changes without the permit - a moderate fine was imposed - HOWEVER when they came to do an inspection before she added a full bathroom they said the building had to be five feet from the property line if anyone were to "occupy" the building. The garage is approximately 2 feet from the fence - they told her she would have to move the building 3 feet - which of course is cost prohibitive... so many rules and guidelines.
Good luck,
Ann
Sorry to sound curt but you should have addressed these issues before you started the work.
Best just keep quiet about it and hope no-one of consequence notices.
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