Do I need a permit for that? A room-by-room checklist
Painting a wall and moving one rarely need the same paperwork. A practical, room-by-room read on what actually triggers a DOB filing.
The honest answer to whether you need a permit is almost always 'it depends' — but the pattern behind that answer is consistent enough to walk through room by room.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Relocating plumbing fixtures, adding new circuits, or moving a wall triggers a filing. Swapping a countertop or repainting cabinets in place generally doesn't.
Structural and layout changes anywhere
Any wall removal, floor opening, or change to a load path needs engineering and a permit — regardless of which room it's in — because it's a structural question, not a cosmetic one.
When in doubt, ask before you start
The cost of confirming with a professional is a phone call. The cost of a stop-work order mid-project, after open walls and paid labor, is not. We always confirm before the first tool comes out.
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