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The Ultimate Guide to Home Renovation: Paperwork, Procedures, and Precautions

"Are you planning to renovate your home? It's an exciting journey, but it can also be a daunting task. Understanding the ins and outs of home renovation and the necessary procedures is crucial. Join us as we explore the essential insights and guidelines to transform your renovation dreams into a reality."

Administrator

13 July, 2024

What documents are required for home renovation and how is the process carried out? These are considered basic questions about home renovation. So, today, let’s explore the instructions on the necessary documents, procedures for home renovation, and some important notes.

1Cases of home renovation that require a permit

There are two cases of home renovation:

Case 1: Renovation with changes to the load-bearing structure

This involves altering the main structure or framework of the house, such as adding columns, adding floors, casting eaves or canopies, adding slabs, reinforcing foundations, or addressing house tilting or sinking.

Case 2: Renovation without changes to the load-bearing structure

This type of renovation does not alter the main structure of the house and includes building partitions, tiling, replacing the roof, installing plasterboard ceilings, repairing or replacing plumbing and electrical systems, painting, installing aluminum glass walls, wallpapering, and interior and exterior decoration.

You should apply for a permit in the following cases:

When your house is severely deteriorated, or the living space is too small to meet your family’s needs.
When you want to change the scale or structure of your house.

In these cases, it is advisable to apply for a permit. Additionally, you should prepare a foundation inspection report before construction. To initiate the renovation, you will need to submit the necessary documents to the competent authorities for approval.

2 Procedures for obtaining a permit for home repair and renovation

Documents to prepare

– Number of sets of documents: The investor must prepare 02 sets of documents for the application for a home repair and renovation permit.

According to Article 12 of Circular No. 15/2016/TT-BXD, the dossier of application for a construction permit for the case of repair and renovation includes the following documents:

+ Application form for a permit to repair and renovate a house.

+ Copy or digital copy of one of the following documents proving the ownership, management, or use of the work or house according to the law, or a copy of the construction permit already granted by the competent state agency.

+ Copy or digital copy of the approved current status drawings of the component or item of the work to be repaired and renovated, with a scale corresponding to the scale of the drawings in the dossier of application for a repair and renovation permit, and photos (10 x 15 cm) of the current status of the work and adjacent works before the repair and renovation.

Implementation steps

Step 1 Submit the dossier

– Submit the dossier to the People’s Committee at the district level (district, town, provincial city, or town under the province) where the house is located.

– The investor can submit the dossier directly or send it by postal service to the dossier receiving unit of the district-level People’s Committee.

Step 2 Receive the dossier

– The district-level People’s Committee is responsible for receiving the dossier from the organization or individual applying for a construction permit;

– Check the dossier;

– If the dossier is complete, a receipt will be issued and given to the applicant;

– If the dossier is incomplete or does not meet the regulations, guidance will be provided to complete the dossier.

Step 3 Process the request

After receiving the dossier, the competent unit will process it according to the request.

Step 4 Provide the result

The district-level People’s Committee will deliver the permit along with the approved design dossier to the investor.

Time limit for settlement: According to Decision No. 838/QD-BXD dated August 29, 2016, the time limit is no more than 30 days from the date of receipt of a valid dossier.

Permit fee: According to Circular No. 250/2016/TT-BTC, the fee is decided by the Provincial People’s Council and may vary across provinces and centrally-run cities.

Therefore, only two cases of home repair and renovation are exempt from permits. If your case does not fall under these exemptions, you will need to prepare the necessary documents and follow the above procedure.

3 Cases of home repair and renovation that are exempt from permits

According to Clause 2, Article 89 of the 2014 Law on Construction, there are two cases of home repair and renovation that are exempt from construction permits:

Case 1: The repair and renovation work does not alter the load-bearing structure, function, or safety of the building and does not affect the environment.
Case 2: The repair and renovation work changes the exterior architecture of the building, but not on a street in an urban area with architectural management requirements.

We have provided you with information on the necessary documents, procedures for home renovation, and some important notes. For more details, please refer to the full article.

See also:

Frequently asked questions

Home renovation paperwork and procedures are crucial as they help ensure a smooth and legal renovation process. They provide a clear framework, outlining the necessary steps, permissions, and precautions to take. This minimizes potential delays, legal issues, and safety hazards during the renovation.

The key steps include defining your renovation scope and creating a detailed plan, setting a realistic budget, obtaining necessary permits and approvals, hiring reputable contractors, managing the renovation work, and finally, conducting a final inspection to ensure the work meets your expectations and complies with regulations.

Creating a realistic budget involves researching and obtaining estimates from multiple contractors. Consider all costs, including materials, labor, permits, and potential hidden expenses. Add a buffer to your budget (10-15%) to account for unexpected costs. Regularly track and manage your expenses during the renovation to avoid overspending.

Permits and approvals vary depending on your location and the scope of work. Common ones include building permits, electrical and plumbing permits, zoning approvals (especially for structural changes), and historical preservation permits if your home is in a designated historical area.

Choosing a reputable and reliable contractor is essential. Get recommendations from friends and family, and research online reviews. Ensure they are licensed, insured, and specialized in the type of work you need. Get multiple quotes, compare them, and don’t solely base your decision on price. Communicate your expectations clearly and ask for references from their previous clients.

Ensure the safety of your family and neighbors by setting up proper signage and barriers. Be aware of potential hazards like lead paint or asbestos and take necessary precautions. Keep a close eye on the work, especially if you’re living in the house during the renovation. Regularly communicate with your contractor to address any concerns promptly.

Clear and detailed planning, regular communication with your contractor, and closely monitoring the work are key to ensuring your expectations are met. Conduct a final inspection with your contractor, creating a punch list of any final touches or issues that need addressing. Only make the final payment once you are satisfied with the work and all items on the punch list have been completed.