Tag: construction permits

Permits you need to remodel a Maryland house

A man holding a hammer, pliers, paint roller, bag, screwdriver, and hand saw

If planning to remodel a Maryland house before selling it or after moving in, you should know that permits are required. We should warn you right away that the repercussions of remodeling without the building department issuing building permits aren’t just a fairytale. For instance, they have the power to fine you, or even worse, make you undo renovations. That’s right! However, we know you’re conscious enough not to remodel without obtaining the necessary permits first. In the end, you wouldn’t be here, listening to what we have to say if it was the other way around. Now, let’s get down to business!

First things first

Before organizing a full home renovation and getting started, be sure you get that permit. Whether it’s a DYI home remodeling project or a contractor is the one rolling up the sleeves, the case is the same. On no account should you start with the project before getting a permit. 

When do I need permits to remodel a Maryland house?

When tackling a project requires permits? Not every home remodeling project requires a permit. If opting for simple home improvements for every budget, such as painting the walls, changing a bit of this and a bit of that, doesn’t require a permit. On the other hand, if your project will affect the home’s structure, get in touch with the local building apartment. It’s necessary that you explain thoroughly what your project implies, what parts of the house you want to change, and how. Furthermore, you need to apply for a building permit when making changes around a house, such as placing a fence over four feet high or erecting a gazebo.

A man painting a cottage
To best way to find out if you need a permit is to
contact your local building department.

If you’re not sure whether you need a permit to remodel a Maryland house, contact your local inspector and check with him. Better safe than sorry, right? A broad term as it is, Maryland has differences on the inside. Permit requirements vary from one place to another, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if a neighboring town or city had different rules than yours. 

Which remodeling projects usually require a permit

Here’s the list of remodeling projects that require a permit in most cases; however, contacting the local building department is the best way to find out:

  • running new electric cable or electric to an outbuilding
  • adding electrical subpanel or new circuits
  • installing a new furnace, air conditioner, or water heater
  • moving plumbing pipes
  • installing new windows or doors
  • changing the roof, extending the roofline, or installing a skyline
  • installing a fireplace
  • adding new room/s or garage
  • changing a garage into a room
  • adding or tearing down the wall/s
  • making bathroom in basement
  • building a new deck
  • installing a pool

Should you need creative ideas on home improvements along with tips and tricks, pricehomeimprovements.com has proved to be one of the best sites for getting inspiration and learning the ropes.

How to get a permit to remodel a Maryland house?

The application process for remodeling your house in Maryland functions in the following way:

  • Contacting and discussing the project with the building department
  • Filling in the application meaning:
  • Determining the type of permits you need (carpentry, electrical plumbing, etc.) and
  • Drawing up plans required by the building department
  • Submitting the application along with applicable fees
A man drawing up a plan on a piece of paper
To remodel a house in Maryland, you need to take care
of the paperwork and get a permit first.

Movers can help during the home renovation process after receiving a permit. Surrounding yourself with a team of professionals before starting with renovations of a Maryland home will save you a lot of time, money, and hassle.

Interestingly enough, you can clear out the way first with the right assistance as well. Junk removal service is a way to go if your house is ‘overcrowded’ with stuff, esp. heavy items.

Paying the fees

The bigger the project, the bigger the fees. That’s the rule. Installing a fence, for instance, can cost you $50. When it comes to room addition to your Maryland house, they’ll charge you several hundred dollars.

Getting approval, fingers crossed

In general, it takes them a few days to review your plans whit bigger projects. With smaller, you’ll get a permit in the twinkling of an eye. However, not all projects are approved. The bottom line is you won’t be kept in suspense for too long. You can also make changes to your project and get to remodel your property in Maryland after all. 

A man with a blue tie inspecting a piece of paper with his full attention, which can be taken as the process of getting approval to remodel a Maryland house.
Whether you will get a permit to remodel a Maryland
house or not depends on the decision of the local
building department. Examining your document
shouldn’t last more than a week.

What comes after you get to remodel a Maryland house?

After your project is approved, the house is decluttered, and Excalibur Moving and Storage provided you with storage space for your belongings, you can start building. However, this can’t go without an inspector coming to check whether there are no deviations. Inspections happen often, can be a drag, but you’ll get used to it. Meeting codes for footing depth, railing spacing, and the rest is what got your approval. Our advice – stick to the plan. Even the smallest changes made can backfire, resulting in shutting down the project. It’s advisable that you post a paper obtained from the building apartment somewhere where it’s visible.

What happens if I fail to meet regulations and codes?

If you don’t pass, don’t worry because you still get to remodel a Maryland house. Everyone gets a second chance or a redo if you like. Yes, it means additional expenses, but in the end, you’ll raise the value of the house (that’s what investment is all about) or bring your living space to perfection. In either case, it’s worth it.

We hope that our guide on the permits you need to remodel a Maryland house has helped you understand your obligations better so your renovation can go smoothly. Good luck!


Steps to take before finishing basement in your Texas home

A wonderful bedroom after finishing a basement in your Texas home.

Many homeowners with pre-constructed basements often consider investing in finishing it. Not as much of the case in Texas, considering there is a significant lack of basements. Especially in the northern parts. Partially because many houses are built in a period when a basement was a considerable investment. And partially because some people still believe it’s near to impossible to safely build basements here. However, those who don’t belong to either of these two cases have a great opportunity. Unfinished basements are, generally, a perfect candidate for getting more space in your home. It requires extra work for finishing a basement in your Texas home, but it’s very well worth it.

How to finish a basement in your Texas home?

Most of the negative reasons to invest in the basement are solved using modern house-building technologies. In fact, with a little preparation, any basement can be completely modified and protected from any potential harm. In Texas, moisture, and shrinking and expanding of soil are believed to be major dangers. At least, they were once. But not so much today. So, if you already have a basement in your home, consider finishing it. If you are preparing to move to any part of Texas, don’t hesitate to look for homes with a basement. When you find an ideal spot, all you need to do is find movers that serve the wider Texas area. You can start your search on the smallworldmoving.com website, for example.

There are many ideas you can consider when finishing your basement. But, safety and permanent protection should be the primary one. Here are a few steps to think about if you plan to eliminate all the potential sources of damage.

Find proper help to get rid of clutter

Chances are, your basement is filled with junk and various old belongings, delayed to be out of sight. Before you proceed with finishing, you need to get rid of it. Either temporary or for good. The least painful way to do it is to ask professionals in the area for help. There are probably various companies that offer storage solutions. Find one, and start clearing your basement right away.

Check the permits before finishing basement in your Texas home

Of course, before you improve your basement, you need to check with local authorities if you need any permits. In general, you will likely need to hire some professionals:

  • plumbers
  • contractors
  • electricians

That is if you are not an expert in these areas.

Inspect your basement

This is, in essence, probably the first step. You need to carefully inspect your basement for any cracks. If there is some, you will need to adequately seal them to prevent any leakage into your basement. But, this is just the beginning.

Keep it permanently dry

To create a desirable and comfortable space, you should install an effective drainage system. Even if you didn’t have a flood before, you should do it. Also, you will need to install a complete sump pump system to be sure in case of plumbing failure. Additionally, an energy-efficient, self-draining basement dehumidifier will keep it dry.

Finishing basement in your Texas home with proper insulation and ventilation

Good insulation will keep the temperature in an adequate range. It is especially necessary if you plan to transform your basement into a cozy place. Insulation with the double vapor barrier is usually a good choice for sealing the basement walls and floors. Next, you will need a quality ventilation system to circulate the air.

A wine cellar with perfect temperature and dim light is one of the ways for finishing basement in your Texas home.
A wine cellar requires a perfect environment for keeping wine.

Exterior works

Don’t forget that regular exterior maintenance is also a way to keep your basement safe. Downspouts, gutters, windows, and hatchway doors, all need to be in a good condition and regularly checked at least twice a year. Otherwise, any seasonal bad weather can quickly cause moisture and even a flood in your basement.

A side entrance with stairs going to the basement.
Prevent water from entering your basement through the outer entrance.

Constructing or finishing a basement in your Texas home was once very hard. But today, modern construction techniques are making it much easier. With all the above, you will again have the opportunity to completely enjoy the usefulness of your basement. Consequently, you can make it anything you want it to be. It’s a vast space under your feet just waiting for you to transform it.