In 2021, more than half of all homeowners in the United States spent on home renovations, including kitchen remodeling. In fact, the median spend for a kitchen remodel rose to $10,000 for a minor project and $40,000 for a major upgrade.
Countertops were the most popular feature that was upgraded. They are followed by appliances, with 35% of homeowners splurging on high-tech upgrades such as wireless and smartphone controls. More people also renovated their kitchen islands, especially as they have taken up a bigger role in facilitating work inside homes.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Atlanta, there are a lot of benefits to reap after the project, the least of which is a nicer and more functional kitchen. To make sure that the process starts and ends without a hitch, make sure to secure the necessary permits. Don’t know where to start? This guide is for you.
Does your kitchen remodel need a permit?
You may or may not need a permit to remodel your kitchen in Atlanta, depending on the type of renovation and the scope of work you intend to do. Generally, making aesthetic changes does not require a permit. These include repainting your kitchen cabinets, replacing your kitchen appliances, and replacing your faucets.
What types of kitchen remodels require a permit in Atlanta?
So which types of remodels necessitate a permit? According to the Atlanta Department of City Planning, any renovation project that deals with any of the following needs a permit:
- Electrical: This covers making major changes to your home’s existing wiring, including upgrading or changing outlets and installing new electrical wires.
- Plumbing: This covers renovating the location of your sinks, sewer lines, or water heaters; it also encompasses the addition of new sinks or outdoor faucets that may require making changes to your existing plumbing.
- Structural: This covers working with structural additions or changes to doors, windows, skylights, and load-bearing walls.
Additions, such as islands, may also require a permit. Finally, if your project exceeds $2,500 in labor and materials, you may need a permit.
What happens if you don’t get a permit?
First and foremost, not getting a permit when your kitchen remodel needs one may result in serious safety risks. Without observing the technicalities of the process, you might end up endangering the structural integrity of your home. For example, if you’re moving load-bearing walls to accommodate a new kitchen fixture and you did the process yourself without submitting to the stipulations outlined in a permit, your home may very well collapse.
Additionally, failing to get a permit may void your homeowner’s insurance coverage, and make it hard for you to sell your home in the future. You may also need to pay hefty fines if the city discovers that you didn’t secure a permit for your project.
This is why it is critical to work with a trusted kitchen contractor in Atlanta. A reliable company like Sterling Works will make sure that your project adheres to the established codes in the city, as well as starts and ends successfully.
Sources:
Remodeling Activity and Spending Hit Highest Levels in Years, Houzz.com
How to Know if You Need a Permit to Remodel a Kitchen, Angi.com
