March 31, 2026

Homeowners often skip permits thinking it saves time and money. It almost always costs more in the long run — unpermitted work shows up at closing, stops projects cold, and can be flagged by insurance after a claim. Here's a quick guide to what needs a permit in most Suffolk and Nassau townships. **Always confirm with your local building department** — rules vary by town. ## Usually requires a permit - **Adding or moving walls** (anything structural) - **Electrical work beyond a simple fixture swap** (new circuits, panel upgrades) - **Plumbing changes** (moving fixtures, new supply or drain lines) - **Roofing replacement** - **Siding replacement** - **Windows and doors** (if changing sizes) - **Decks over 30 inches high** - **Pools, sheds over 144 sq ft** - **Kitchen or bathroom renovations** with layout changes - **HVAC installs** (new systems, not repairs) ## Usually doesn't need a permit - Painting - Flooring replacement - Cabinet swap-out without moving utilities - Fixture swaps (faucet, light, toilet) in the same spot - Minor drywall patching - Decks under 30 inches high (in most towns) ## What happens if you skip it? - **At closing:** inspectors and buyers ask for a Certificate of Occupancy or updated C.O. for the work. If it doesn't exist, you may need to retroactively permit and inspect — which can take months and force you to tear things open. - **On insurance claims:** if a fire or flood causes damage tied to unpermitted work, your insurer may deny the claim. - **On fines:** municipalities can issue stop-work orders and penalties. ## How to handle it - Ask your contractor upfront who pulls the permit. Good contractors include this in their scope. - If a pro tells you "don't worry about permits," walk away. - If you're DIY-ing, call your town's building department and ask — they're usually helpful. Verified contractors on LI ToolBox pull permits as a matter of course. [Find one in your town →](/search)

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