What Remodeling & Renovation Projects Require Permits in New Hampshire?

Renovating or remodeling your home can be an exciting, energizing, and transformative experience. Unfortunately, it can also be overwhelming — especially when you start trying to figure out which local or state permits are needed for the project.

This is certainly true in New Hampshire, where permitting can be a little complex since most are town-specific rather than state-required. Below is our quick overview and guide that can help clarify which projects need permits and which do not.

For expert remodeling services, trust the professionals at Foremost Builders. Contact us at 603-763-1344 to get started.

Do I Need a Permit for My Remodel?

Some remodeling projects need permits while others don’t, which can often cause confusion. It depends on several factors:

What is being remodeled?
How extensive is the remodel?
Is the home’s footprint being altered?
Are any new structures being added?

Why Are Permits Important?

Permitting is an important aspect of construction because it ensures a project will meet a variety of necessary standards, such as those listed below:

Structural integrity and safety
Building codes
Fire codes
Zoning standards
Setbacks
Easements
Neighborhood assocations’ conditions, covenants, and restrictions (CCRs)

Without proper permitting, it would be a challenge to ensure projects were completed correctly for the safety of every person who will use the property.

Home Renovations That Require Permits

While each town has specific requirements and guidelines, these projects generally need permits in Sunapee and surrounding areas:

Deck, porch, and screened-in porch remodeling and construction where there’s a change to the home’s existing footprint
Interior renovations costing over $5,000 (varies by town)
Any additions to the existing structure, such as in-law suites
Major kitchen and bathroom remodels or other projects that require extensive changes to your plumbing system

While this list is not exhaustive, it gives you an idea of the kinds of projects that will require a permit. The good news is that when you hire a remodeling contractor like those at Foremost Builders, they’ll review with you what’s needed for your specific project.

Most contractors will handle the permitting, so you won’t have to.

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Get Peace of Mind With Foremost Builders

Since 1996, our team has delivered high-quality remodeling services. We work closely with our clients to ensure the final project matches their vision and needs. We offer a variety of remodeling services, including interior remodeling, exterior remodeling, home additions, and aging-in-place remodeling.

Our unique and thorough design/build process starts with a consultation to identify your needs and goals for the project. From there, we’ll develop a project design, timeline, and budget. We’ll then develop an explicit agreement that includes all necessary permits required for your project’s location and scope.

Our team will secure those permits to ensure your project is completed properly, on time, and within budget. When you choose Foremost Builders, you can expect a seamless process, exceptional work, and a final product that’s backed by a two-year warranty.

Schedule your consultation with Foremost Builders today. Call 603-763-1344 to get started.