How do you know what you need permits for?

Is there a website that tells you this information - or does it totally depend on the town?

ETS: I am actually referring to what is already in a house we are looking at. Whats the deal with that? Is that something we need to look into ahead of time or can we wait until the title search?

Message edited 11/22/2006 12:16:14 PM.

Re: How do you know what you need permits for?

it always includes adding living space, changing rooflines, and often adding or changing kitchens or baths. Most electrical work is supposed to have a permit too.
Things like replacement windows, siding, interior trim, doors, flooring are not permit items.
You should be able to call your town building dept & ask.

Re: How do you know what you need permits for?

Definitely check with your town. We did not buy a certain house in Lynbrook because the owners did not get a permit for finishing their basement. We called the the Village clerk and he told us that if it wasn't to spec, we might have to rip it out. The celing had to be at leat 7ft and when we went for our last visit, we measured and it was only 6'10"

A Village is a lot stricter than a town, but you may want to look into it before you do any work.

Re: How do you know what you need permits for?

backinNY is right, some villages don't allow bathrooms in basements either & the building inspectors in villages usually have a lot of free time to go around checking for work being done w/o permits. Lynbrook is particulary strict.

Re: How do you know what you need permits for?

I would call the Town Clerk (or you could call Bob since he works at Town Hall and know's most of these answers already)!