I like to do my own home improvements around the house and I'm not going to use a contractor, so why do I need a Construction Permit?

Work without a permit is illegal and can pose serious complications for you when you sell your house.  Penalties for failure to obtain a permit prior to construction are up to $2,000 for each offense [N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.31 (e)].    Work done by the homeowner requiring a permit must be inspected to ensure the work has been done according to code. There are also legal and financial liabilities if you don't obtain a permit. Any fire and homeowner's insurance you have will be invalidated if you do work without a permit.  If there is a fire in your house, the insurance company may use the illegal work as an excuse not to pay on your claim.


For more information, visit the Construction Department page by CLICKING HERE.

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1. Will my project increase my taxes?
2. What type of work on my house requires a Construction Permit?
3. Why should I get a permit?
4. I like to do my own home improvements around the house and I'm not going to use a contractor, so why do I need a Construction Permit?
5. How long will it take to get my permit?
6. How much will my permit cost?
7. I will be using a contractor for my project; however, he said I didn't need a permit for the work?
8. Who calls for the inspections?
9. My contractor said that the work was finished and I paid him, why do I need a final inspection?
10. I am selling my home and I had some work done without a permit, now what do I do?
11. I obtained permits for all the work done on my home, do I get a certificate?
12. I have had work done on my home with a permit and am unsure as to whether or not the permit has been closed out?