Are home renovations the same as remodeling?
Home renovations are often thought of and referred to as making significant changes to your home, which is true to an extent. It is often confused with “remodeling”, which includes home changes that many people refer to as “renovations”. Home remodeling projects require a structural change to your home, meaning tearing down walls, reconfiguring a kitchen or bathroom, and even adding on an extra room.
Unlike renovations, remodels may also require a building permit. Almost every time the structure of a building is changed, it requires a legal document that makes sure that all building codes are followed so that the building is safe for dwelling.
Renovations:
These are some of the things that you can do to your home that don’t require changing the structure of your home, and therefore they don’t require a permit. An exception would be updating a roof; it doesn’t change the structure of a home, but incorrect installation can cause structural damage, resulting in the need for a permit.
Paint Jobs and Wallpapering:
Painting walls may seem like one of the most basic ways to update your home decor, but painting can be used to add dimension to walls and rooms. Consider an accent wall, which is when one wall of a room is painted a different color from the other walls. This color should stand out and is usually the “feature wall” of a room. Wallpaper has come a long way from what it was in the last few decades. Removable wallpaper is not only easy to install and remove, but it can also come in many different designs to add a new feel to your home.
Flooring:
Flooring can also give a new look to your home. Most older homes were built with some type of carpet in them, and many people are moving to hardwood or laminate flooring. Some people even choose tile flooring for every room in their home. All of these types of flooring are pretty simple to do on your own. Carpet flooring can also be done on your own, but it’s a little more tricky to size and install carpet without a professional.
Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations:
An easy way to update your kitchen is to install new countertops. You can also update your cabinetry and install new hardware. The same things can be done in a bathroom.
Remodels:
All of these types of changes to your home may require a permit, depending on where you live. These projects also require more skills and knowledge, so they are best left to a professional. If you’re interested in doing any of these projects, you’ll definitely need a permit, but it’s also good to have a good understanding and education in construction-related tasks because it will more than likely require licensing.
Expanding and Adding Rooms:
Expanding and adding rooms require major structural changes to a home. Many things need to be taken into consideration, such as plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. You should also never attempt to tear down a wall if you’re not sure if it’s a load-bearing wall.
Structural Changes Within a Room:
Not all remodels involve tearing down walls or adding on additional structures. For example, if you want to add an island to your kitchen, complete with a sink and dishwasher or a stove, then this would be considered a remodel. The same goes if you want your bathroom completely rearranged. If you want to change the positions of your sink, shower, and toilet, then you are wanting to remodel.
Repairs:
Home repairs refer to fixing any part of your home that may not be functioning properly. This can include a roof, the foundation, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system, and water heaters. These types of home repairs should be done by a professional as well, though there are some home repairs that don’t require a professional.
If you like to DIY, there are many changes you can make to your home yourself, and you don’t need a permit to do so. But if you’re looking to make some remodeling changes to your home, it’s good to get a permit and license, but until you do that, it’s best to consult a professional.
When Do You Need a Permit?
| Project | Permit usually needed? |
|---|---|
| Painting and wallpapering | No |
| Replacing flooring | No, unless you change the structure below it |
| New kitchen cabinets or countertops | No, if no plumbing or wiring moves |
| Moving a wall or adding a room | Yes |
| New electrical wiring or plumbing | Yes |
| New roof | Often yes; check your local rules |
| New windows or doors | Sometimes; check if the opening size changes |
| Deck or fence | Often yes, depending on size and height |
Home renovations are often thought of and referred to as making significant changes to your home. But not all changes need a permit. A permit is a legal document that makes sure all building codes are followed so that the building is safe for dwelling. Simple changes like painting, wallpapering, and replacing flooring usually do not need a permit. New kitchen countertops and new cabinetry usually do not need a permit either, if you do not move plumbing or wiring. A remodel is different. Remodels include home changes that many people refer to as ‘renovations’. Home remodel projects require a structural change to your home, meaning tearing down walls, reconfiguring a kitchen or bathroom, and even adding on an extra room. Almost every time the structure of a building is changed, it requires a permit. Expanding and adding rooms require major structural changes. Many things need to be taken into consideration, such as plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. You should also never attempt to tear down a wall if you’re not sure if it’s a load-bearing wall. A load-bearing wall holds up the house. Removing it without support can cause the house to sag or collapse. New electrical work and new plumbing also need a permit. A new roof is an exception. It doesn’t change the structure of a home, but incorrect installation can cause structural damage, resulting in the need for a permit. Rules differ by city and state. Always check with your local building department before you start.
How to Apply for a Building Permit
First, check with your local building department. Ask if your project needs a permit. Ask what documents they need. You will usually need a site plan and drawings of the work. A contractor can prepare these for you. Second, submit the application. Pay the fee. The fee depends on the size and cost of the project. Third, wait for the review. The building department checks that your plans follow the building code. They may ask for changes. This can take days or weeks. Fourth, get the permit. Display it at the work site. Fifth, schedule inspections. An inspector visits at key stages. They check the framing, the wiring, and the plumbing. They make sure the work is safe. Do not cover up work before the inspection. If the inspector finds a problem, fix it and ask for another visit. Sixth, get the final approval. The inspector signs off when the work is done right. Keep the permit and the final approval. They are useful when you sell the home. A buyer will ask if the work was permitted. Unpermitted work can lower the value of your home. It can also cause problems with insurance. If you do work without a permit, the city can fine you. They can order you to remove the work. They can also make you pay to get it permitted after the fact. This costs more than getting the permit first. If you are not sure, ask. A quick call to the building department is free. It can save you a lot of trouble later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a renovation and a remodel?
A renovation updates a home without changing its structure, like painting, new flooring, or new countertops. A remodel changes the structure, like tearing down walls, reconfiguring a kitchen or bathroom, or adding a room.
Do I need a permit to paint or replace flooring?
Usually no. Painting, wallpapering, and replacing flooring do not need a permit, unless you change the structure below the floor. New kitchen cabinets and countertops also do not need a permit if no plumbing or wiring moves.
When do I need a building permit?
You need a permit when you change the structure of a building, such as moving a wall, adding a room, or doing new electrical work or plumbing. A new roof often needs a permit too. Check your local rules, as they differ by city and state.
How do I apply for a building permit?
Check with your local building department, submit an application with plans and drawings, pay the fee, wait for review, display the permit at the site, schedule inspections, and get final approval when the work is done right.
What happens if I do work without a permit?
The city can fine you and order you to remove the work. Unpermitted work can lower the value of your home and cause problems with insurance. It often costs more to fix later than to get the permit first.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information about building permits. Rules differ by city, state, and country and change over time. Always check with your local building department before you start work, and hire a licensed contractor for structural, electrical, and plumbing work.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026