Some of our customers love old houses with charm and character. Houses that have already been renovated are quite expensive, so if you are looking for a house with character, renovation is an option.
The most important thing to understand and know more about is what you can and what you cannot do without a building permit. Below short summary from “Renovation Permit: A Comprehensive Guide” (source click here) written by MECHA Engineering. But please note that you always should consult an engineer for the proper advice. The cost of building permission may vary from different offices so please check with more than one.
Small-scale renovation works without no permit
For all small-scale renovation works, no permit from the urban planning authority is required. These types of works can involve both the interior and exterior renovations, such as:
- Interior painting. No permit is needed for changing wall colors or applying wallpaper.
- Minor repairs. This includes repairs to doors, windows, walls, etc., that do not affect the building’s structural integrity.
- Window replacement. You can replace old windows with new ones, provided they are installed in the same location as the old ones.
- Layout changes. You can install wardrobes, cabinets, drawers, etc., without a permit. No permit is needed for bathroom renovations if you replace the plumbing without demolishing any walls.
- Floor changes. You can change the flooring and perform floor works.
- Ramps for people with disabilities. For better accessibility, you can install ramps for people with disabilities. However, an elevator installation requires a permit.
- Installing a Solar Water Heater. No permit is needed to install a solar water heater or air conditioning units.
- Using Decorative Items. This includes garden furniture, pots, planters, flower beds, and fountains. You can also install a pergola up to 50 sqm and a pet house up to 3 sqm.
- Paving External Floors
- Installing Electric Meters. This can be done within the plot boundaries.
- External Works Without Scaffolding. Small-scale roof repairs, installing external insulation, painting the house exterior, or changing balcony railings do not require scaffolding and hence do not need a permit.
What type of work will need a “Small Scale Permit”?
Works with scaffolding.This includes painting the exterior walls or roof repairs. Any work requiring scaffolding also requires a small-scale permit.
- Wall demolition.As mentioned earlier, any work that involves demolishing walls requires a permit.
- Roof construction.This refers to significant changes to the roof, not just minor repairs.
- Changes to the building’s appearance. Opening a new door or window, or installing external insulation, requires a permit.
- Fireplace construction. Building a fireplace and chimney requires a small-scale permit.
- Installing an autonomous heating system. While a solar water heater or air conditioning units do not require a permit, an autonomous heating system does.
- Elevator installation. Installing an elevator requires a renovation permit.
- Note that the Small-Scale Permit is valid for one year. After the year has passed, you can apply for a six-month extension, making the total duration 18 months.
What type of work will need a “Building Permit”?
The second type of renovation permit is the Building Permit. This is required if you want to construct a new building or expand an existing one. Such works may include:
- Building a fence: You need a permit to build a fence or wall around your plot.
- Constructing septic tanks: A building permit is also required for constructing septic tanks or underground water tanks.
- Balcony extension: A permit is needed for extending a balcony.
- Adding a floor: If you want to add one or more floors, you need a building permit from the urban planning authority.
- Ground works exceeding 80 cm depth
- Demolition: If you want to demolish the house, you need a permit.
- Note that the Building Permit is valid for four years and you can apply for an extension for the next 4 years
