Are you looking to do some work on your garage and want to make sure that it’s in the best shape possible? Maybe you’ve noticed that your garage door isn’t looking so good and now you think it would be best to replace it. After all, it’s going to get colder and you definitely don’t want a drafty or faulty garage door, right? But what do you need to do to get that door replaced?
What the Rules Say
‘Ordinary repairs to structures may be made without permit, but such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exit requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs including addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.’
Source: Do I need a permit – City of Auburn (auburnalabama.org)
Getting a Permit
Getting a permit can be a hassle because you have to go to your local government to apply, let them know what you’re going to be doing, get plans and paperwork from your contractor, file everything and pay a fee.
This means your new project takes longer and it’s going to cost more. But if it’s a necessary part of the process it’s better for you to do it. Because if you don’t … you could be in for even more time, fines, and even having to reverse the work that you’ve already done.
Should I Get a Permit?
You want to make sure that your new garage door is installed properly and that it isn’t going to cause you any problems. So, should you get a permit?
In most cases, you won’t need a permit to put in a new garage door. That’s because a new door is only going to replace the door that currently exists. Also, it’s not going to change the overall footprint of your home and it’s not considered an extensive project in need of an inspector after the fact.
What that means is, you can decide to replace your garage door whenever you want and set up an appointment and a time to do just that with a contractor. Then, they can come out to your house and take care of everything.
What About a Side Door?
If you’re wondering ‘do I need a permit to replace my garage door,’ you might also be wondering ‘do I need a permit to put a side door in my garage?’
Well, once again, the answer is that you usually would not need a permit for this type of work.
While installing a side door where there wasn’t one before could be considered a larger project than replacing an existing door, it’s generally still not extensive enough to require that additional step. Which means you can get the job more quickly and at a lower cost.
However, keep in mind that some areas may require a permit for this because it is considered to be ‘cutting away’ part of the wall. However, the wall being ‘cut away’ is not actually a structural wall to the house and is instead considered a part of the garage.
Speaking with a contractor will be your best way to make sure that you are following the rules and that you are not going to have any problems by installing the new door without a permit.
When Do I Need a Permit?
In general, you need a permit if you’re doing extensive work on your home that could change the footprint of the house.
For example, if you were to build a new garage you would need to get a permit. Or if you were to add an extension onto it. But putting in doors or replacing old ones is not considered the same. So, if this is only a small part of a large project, you may want to look into the rules for your area about permits.
Many people choose to look into ‘do I need a permit to replace my garage door’ because they’re looking to do a lot of work, rather than just a single piece. So, think about everything that you want to do for your home.
Do you want to replace the garage door, add a side door, and add an extension? If you’re going to do all of these things you may want to look into getting a permit from the very beginning. It will save you time and a whole lot of hassle down the road.
But if you’re only working on the doors, you should be just fine. Even when hiring a contractor you should be able to get the work done that you need without having to be concerned about getting approval from your local government.
What Should I Do?
If you’re thinking about replacing or installing a side door or garage door you should first consult with a contractor. They’ll be able to help you figure out exactly what you want as well as getting the job done.
After all, did you know just how many different types of garage doors there are out there? And you get to choose between them to make sure you’re getting a garage that fits your needs and also the style and look you want for your home.
Working with a contractor to get it done ensures that you get exactly what you want and the job is done right. Whether you want a unique color, style, pattern, etc. you can find it this way and that’s going to make a major difference for your entire home. But you need to make sure you choose a company that can help you every step of the way, whether you need a major change or something minor.
And, if for any reason you do need a permit to get the job done, the contractor can take care of getting it for you. That saves you a whole lot of time and worry along the way. If you’re wondering ‘do I need a permit to replace my garage door,’ hopefully this has cleared it all up for you.
Your new garage door is going to make a huge difference in your house, so let’s get started.