In renovation fever on the market from 2022, but 2026 is easier and cheaper! The first step is to spread the word about the "red tape" of renovation.
Fortunately, home renovation permits are not required for any type of work. There are two types of renovation permits issued by the planning department. A "small scale" permit for minor work on the house that needs scaffolding or if the layout of the house is changed by knocking down a wall. Then there is a 'building permit', but this is when it is for major works such as a new build or extension to the house. For 'minor' internal work, such as a change in tiling, new flooring, pipework or simple painting, no planning permission is required.
Interventions without red tape
New floor: Changing materials, re-installing an old floor or work to improve handicapped accessibility (e.g. ramps) does not require a permit. Beware of the latter that in cases with people who need a special lift for stairs, even if it is inside the home, a permit is required.
Minor Alterations to Arrangement: No permission is needed for any alterations that do not knock down a wall. New closets, kitchens, total bathroom changes, plumbing replacement, change of room use, etc. do not need a permit.
Painting Within the Home: Please note that for in-home only, any change in wall colors or installation of wallpaper does not require a renovation permit.
Doors, Frames: Changes or repairs to doors, windows, walls that do not change the original construction of the building do not require a permit, nor do replacement of windows and windows frames.
Solar Water Heater: If you want to put in a solar water heater or air conditioners, you can do so without a permit from the Planning Department.
Work that needs a permit
Scaffolding and Height Work: Whether it is painting an external wall, adding to the facade or repairs to the roof, a small scale permit is required. The same applies to new roof construction. Anything that is at a great height and needs scaffolding needs a permit. Fireplace and chimney construction also falls into this category.
Walls: Tearing down a wall when it changes the layout of the original plan of the property needs a permit. Actual renovation case where the new owner wanted to knock down a wall and discovered that the previous owner had put it up without permission. Going back to the original plan did not require a permit as this wall was not provided for in the original plan and had neither pipes nor wires.
Complex Work: The best example is an elevator small or large, inside or outside the home, needs a permit. Any new major infrastructure needs a permit and supervision by an engineer. The same applies to other major works, such as the installation of an independent heating system : Note that although, as mentioned above, the installation of a solar panel or new air conditioning does not require a licence, the same does not apply to more complex installations, such as a new heating system.
The same applies to new installations such as those for newer heating systems, but this is not the case for larger installations such as new heating systems.
To obtain a small-scale permit the steps are simple. The necessary documents are collected and submitted with the application to the planning office. Usually on the municipality's website. Usually, the whole process is handled by the engineer who supervises the work. Importantly, the permit is valid for one year and if the procedures are delayed, an extension for another six months can be granted. Then, if the work is still not completed, a new permit is needed.
The documents accompanying the application are :
- The engineer's technical report
- Photographs of the property
- Topographical diagram
- The certificate from the land registry
- A copy of the building permit
- A declaration of consent from all the co-owners