Replacing kitchen countertops can seem like a major undertaking to someone who doesn’t do much home remodeling. And because the job seems so daunting, it is not unusual for homeowners to wonder whether they need a building permit. We can help by providing a general answer.
The general rule of thumb is that building permits are not required for standard kitchen countertop replacement. There are exceptions to the rule, so it is always a good idea to check with your local code enforcement office before doing anything. If you are working with a contractor rather than doing it yourself, the contractor should already be thoroughly versed on permit requirements.
Replacement Is Considered Maintenance
Building permits are the domain of counties and local municipalities. Most jurisdictions differentiate between maintenance and major construction work for permitting. Maintenance projects typically don’t require building permits. Major construction does.
Replacing existing countertops is considered maintenance work by most counties and municipalities. That is why you generally don’t need a building permit for a simple replacement. You might not even need a permit to replace cabinets and sink. But again, only your local code enforcement office can provide a definitive answer.
Things You Would Need a Permit For
Permitting gets a little dicey when counties and local municipalities get into determining what constitutes major construction. Rather than hard and fast rules, it is easier for local officials to list the types of work for which permits are required. Here are some examples, limited exclusively to kitchen remodeling jobs that would involve new countertops:
- Demolition – Any type of project involving demolition probably needs a permit. Again, removing old countertops doesn’t constitute demolition. When you think about demolition, think knocking down walls, tearing out cabinets, ripping up the floor, etc.
- Relocating Services – Projects that involve relocating services (gas, plumbing, electric) will almost always require permits. More importantly, they will require inspections. Relocating services is serious business. Counties and municipalities are very strict about it.
- Layout Changes – A kitchen remodel that results in a layout change is most likely going to need a permit. Changing the layout is more involved than merely switching out countertops. It requires architectural work, and that requires a building permit.
- Structural Changes – Projects involving structural changes are similar to those involving layout changes or moving services. If any portion of the house undergoes a structural change, permitting is mandatory. So are inspections.
It is always best to err on the side of caution. If you are doing a simple swap out of old countertops for new, it is a safe bet you will not need a permit. But any kitchen work more complicated than that could require proper permitting. Get in touch with your county or city to find out what is required.
Consider Hiring a Contractor
Building permits aside, replacing laminate countertops with something in the stone category isn’t a typical job for a casual DIYer. This is not to say that you should not attempt to install new countertops on your own. If you are confident in your skills and you have the right tools, by all means do it. But if there is any doubt in your mind, consider hiring a contractor.
Keep in mind that here at Bedrock Quartz, we install everything we sell. All you need to do to have new stone countertops installed in your kitchen is visit our showroom and make some selections. We do all the rest.
As for permitting, it is usually not a big deal if you are merely replacing your old kitchen countertops with new ones. Countertop replacement is considered maintenance in most jurisdictions.
