Essential Permits for Your Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel
913-717-6325
913-717-6325
Usually, different states or cities require different types of permits and licenses for home renovation projects. In some places, you can do many big remodeling projects even without any permission from the local authority, but in others, you’ll need specific permits, even for a few changes in the kitchen, bathroom, or any other part of your house. You should even consider your neighborhood Homeowners Association, as there are specific requirements for remodeling or additions as well.
RELATED: If you’re in the Kansas City area, check out the latest permit requirements here: https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/permits-division
If you’re in the Johnson County, Kansas area, here is information on the permit process: https://www.jocogov.org/department/building-codes/building-permits/residential-remodel-permit
If you’re not working with a home remodeling contractor, you will be responsible for pulling the permits yourself. There are many advantages for working with a design build firm, such as Kansas City’s Wineteer Construction, because they are familiar with each municipality’s requirements and process. Some people avoid getting the permits just to avoid the time and cost spent on getting them. However, not getting the permits will be more disastrous. Let’s learn more about it from this article.
Continue to explore the Essential Permits for Your Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel, if you remodel a kitchen or bathroom that needs necessary permits or licenses, the result can be devastating both practically and legally.
Also, licenses and permits are needed to make sure the remodeling works and results are safe for everyone during the remodeling and after the completion of the work. If you want to resell the property and the remodeling doesn’t have the required permits, it will lead to complications, and potential buyers will refuse to be involved with the problematic property.
Unpermitted works also won’t cover any insurance, so you’ll need to spend more on the repairs in the future. Moreover, future renovations, demolitions, and obtaining necessary future requirements will be more challenging as you’ll have illegal records. That’s why it’s really important to obtain licenses and permits for even small remodeling projects when necessary.
In this section, we’ve categorized the types of licenses and permits you’ll need to renovate your bathrooms or kitchens with different issues.
Bathrooms and kitchens usually have many in-built and separate appliances, including HVAC systems. If your remodeling project needs to change the systems, like how much power they’ll use, or add more mechanical parts, you’ll need mechanical permits and licenses.
Usually, most renovations need changes to electrical wiring, fixtures, or outlets for any lighting or appliances. And any change to electrical items requires electrical licenses and permits.
Often, bathroom and kitchen renovations require altering the plumbing items like sinks, toilets, showers, new lines or faucets, etc. For these reasons, you’d need to get plumbing permits and licenses for most of your renovations. https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/electrical-plumbing-and-mechanical-permits
You’ll need building or structural permits and licenses when the bathroom or kitchen renovation requires visual and structural changes in the building. For example, adding or removing windows, doors, walls, roofs, etc.
If the bathroom or kitchen renovation work needs to do demolition of any part of the building, you’ll need special permits for the demolition works, for possible noise, to park demolition trucks in the neighborhood, and many more depending on the place you’re living.
You’ll need landscaping permits and licenses if you want to do any renovation work that can change the landscape on your property. For example, if you have a separate kitchen or washroom in your backyard and want to cut down any trees for it or add fences or decks for them, you’ll need permission for these changes. Check out this article, 10 Landscaping Trends to Watch in 2024, for ways to maximize your home’s curb appeal.
Sometimes the changes in your bathroom and kitchen can relate to environmental concerns, that’s why you’ll need permits to use different materials or appliances or change anything. Many materials, like asbestos, paints, boards, etc., can contain harsh chemicals that can lead to potential hazards. That’s why it’s really important to get environmental permits.
In some cases, you’ll need permits to improve the accessibility feature in your house, specifically in bathrooms, to make things easier for toddlers, the elderly, and disabled people. For accessibility features, there are specific codes, licenses, and permits, so ensure they get one, especially if the kitchen and bathrooms are open to the public.
Continuing on the Essential Permits for Your Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel insight, this process can seem a bit complex and time-consuming if you’re new to this. However, if you follow these general steps, things will be easier:
If you contact a reputed and experienced local contractor, they’ll inform you about all the licenses and permits required for your specific projects. It’ll be better if you hire a bathroom or kitchen specialist, as they usually have specific licenses and permits ready for many projects. However, to avoid more complexity, ensure the contractor you’re hiring has real licenses, not fakes. If you’re in the Kansas City area, reach out to Wineteer for a kitchen, bathroom, whole home, or aging in place remodel.
Whether you’ve been in your home for decades or just moved in, you may need to remodel the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can help to improve the overall functionality, boost property and resale value, and make your life more comfortable while making memories. However, unless you’re a skilled DIYer with so much experience with renovation work, you’ll need expert help even for minor changes.
RELATED: How to Hire a Kitchen Contractor
Although choosing the right contractor for your kitchen remodel project is another big task, as so many unskilled contractors are always trying to lure people in with fake information. But worry not; in this article, we’ve gathered all the basics you’ll need to keep in mind when choosing the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling project. Let’s get started.
Before you choose the right contractor for a kitchen remodeling project, you must know what you actually want from the project. You need to set goals, whether it needs demolition, repair, or installation, and have ideas on what amenities you want or how you want your kitchen to look to determine what kind of contractor will be best for you.
Depending on your goal, you may need to hire a kitchen remodeling specialist or any general contractor with experience in kitchen renovations. You’ll also need to set your probable kitchen renovation budget to save more time on selecting contractors or avoid unwanted problems.
Check out this gallery of kitchen remodeling projects that Wineteer has completed for many Kansas City area residents. From Olathe and Leawood to Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit, the Wineteer team specializes in the design and build of the highest quality kitchen remodels.
When you want to get the right and perfect contractor for your kitchen remodeling project, you need to look for some specific attributes to compare and find the best one. The checklist of those qualities is:
If you follow these steps accordingly, you can choose the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling:
Another good way to find a trusted contractor is to get recommendations from colleagues, friends, relatives, or neighbors who have done kitchen remodeling or know a good contractor by any chance. It’ll make the research into finding the right contractor smoother. Make a list of all the contractors you’ve found intriguing.
Now it’s time to dig deeper to make a shortlist of all the candidates you’ve listed before. Check and do research on each of them to make sure they have experience, and have licenses from your local regulatory agency or licensing board. Only keep experienced contractors with credibility on the new list.
In this step, you should reach out to all the shortlisted contractors and ask for detailed quotes on your kitchen remodeling project. Some contractors only provide the final price, which can be less credible. That’s why you should ask them to provide a breakdown of materials, labor, permits, or any other fees. In this way, you’ll be able to compare the quotes and ensure quality at a fair price.
If you selected one or several potential contractors after reviewing the quotes and want to select the perfect one for the project, you need to meet with them in person to discuss the project details and ask some prepared questions. The questions you can ask them are as follows:
These are a few of the usual questions you can ask, and you can add other questions depending on the situation. Listen carefully to their answers and how fluently they’re answering you because it will provide you with significant insights on how confident and experienced they are. Also, it’ll be a great chance to see the level of comfortability in communication with them.
If all the interviewed contractors provide several references to their past projects, you need to research them thoroughly. These references and histories can help you learn more about the work style and quality of the contractors. Compare the before and after images of their projects, how much the projects cost, and, if possible, contact some of the project owners for their experiences with the contractors. Another wonderful option to evaluate a company is through Google reviews.
Once you’ve completed your final investigations and selected a contractor for the job, review the contract details carefully. There should be detailed information about completion dates, fees, permits, descriptions of products, services, and materials, payment terms, subcontractor information, consequences of failures, dispute resolution terms, etc. If you see anything missing from the contract, ask them to do it in detail before signing.
If you can choose the right contractor, you’ll be able to turn your dream into reality. If you’re in the Kansas City area, Wineteer can help you with the design and build process. Reach out today for a free estimate. 913-717-6325 or https://wineteerconstruction.com/contact-us/
RELATED: Are home improvements tax-deductible?
Home improvements happen to be the specialty of Wineteer Construction. These capital investments can transform a room into an entirely new space, and can fall within a budget, timeline, and color/design palette.
Yet, even though a renovation project is a large investment, you cannot deduct the cost from your yearly federal income taxes. Still, these projects will most likely increase the resale value of your home. So, it is critically important to keep records of these expenses to reduce the taxes you owe when selling your house. A lower tax obligation means more of a profit at the time you sell your home.
Home improvement expenses that can be deducted the same year include installing alternative energy equipment, like solar paneling or wind turbines, or purchasing Energy Star appliances. “Certain energy-saving home improvements can yield tax credits at the time you make them,” according to “Home Improvement and Your Taxes” from TurboTax.
Home improvements can qualify for tax deductions as medical expenses. If a home modification is more about being medically necessary than about increasing the value of your home, deductions can be claimed for materials and installation. To learn more about medically necessary home improvements, read a recent blog from LifeWise Renovations, a Wineteer Company.
If you’re ready to invest your tax return into a home remodel, reach out to the true locally-owned and operated home remodeling company, Wineteer. Our in-house design and build team can bring your vision to life. Reach out today to schedule a design consultation! 913-717-6325 or https://wineteerconstruction.com/contact-us/
We’ve all been caught in the constant scroll of “dream kitchen” posts. You know, the dreamy and gorgeous kitchens you see on Pinterest, DIY remodeling videos that make it all seem so easy, and even the before and after pictures that make your jaw drop. However, when we snap back to reality, we know that remodeling the whole kitchen can be expensive, time-consuming, and probably something you should leave to the professionals.
We want to provide some ideas for smart kitchen remodeling updates. This will allow the homeowner to maximize the resale value of your home when the real estate market is so competitive, all within your budget. Let’s get to know those ideas before you start planning for your kitchen remodeling.
Kitchen cabinets occupy most of the area of your kitchen. They can be utilized in many forms, including closed off and hidden, or without doors to showcase your minimalistic vibe. As many kitchen remodels are now optimizing open-shelving, home remodeling companies still recommend updating your kitchen cabinets during the remodel to some capacity. To upgrade the cabinets, you can recolor them to a pleasing neutral color, or even add a pop of color. The soft colors are more popular to make the space feel more warm and inviting, but the pop of color is also fun and adds personality!
Along with the color, there are different types of finishes that can change the vibe of the kitchen cabinets. You can also replace the cabinets or the handles with more beautiful ones. Many options to consider that will make a huge difference in the overall appearance of the kitchen.
If you want a luxurious look to your kitchen, then you must update the countertops to something more aesthetic. There are many options, like using marbles, quartz, or other natural stones. These countertops are easy to clean and economical, yet they provide a lavish look to your kitchen. Countertops can certainly be the center-point of your kitchen remodel, as many of the residents prepare food, serve food, or relax around the countertops. Usually, people like white stones more as they look bright and make the space feel bigger. Check out this article on the 33 Best Types of Kitchen Countertops, which provides an option, look, and feel for all budgets and home styles.
Outdated and poorly functioning appliances can make your kitchen feel out-dated, and is frankly inefficient. Among many reasons, it’s important to upgrade the kitchen appliances while remodeling to get the biggest bang for your buck. You can resell the old appliances and buy more cost-effective, eco-friendly appliances that can help you save money. You may need to spend more to upgrade those appliances at first, but in the long run, they’ll maximize the kitchen’s value. Aside from the aesthetics of new appliances, technology changes so quickly that homeowners want to have the “latest and greatest” so updating appliances is one way to stay in the game.
Flooring isn’t typically the main focus area of your kitchen, but it’s not less important when remodeling. The flooring can also be used to accent the countertops, island, or color palette. The floor used during a kitchen remodel should be durable, easy to clean, and natural looking. The flooring should be installed properly so the appliances are balanced, floor won’t squeak, and there are no uneven spots.
It’s a good cost-saving idea to upgrade your HVAC system, specifically the kitchen system, to an eco-friendly system. You can resell the old HVAC system at a good price and get an energy-efficient HVAC system. HVAC systems not only cost less than the fuel system, but they also save a lot of money while operating.
Lighting is very important for a kitchen renovation, because it will affect the colors and overall vibe. From can lighting to chandeliers, some lighting can be both functional and stylish; so it’s important to select the best option for your space. In addition, there are many lighting options to choose from on a budget, so look around before jumping into a purchase.
Many older kitchens don’t have any backsplash or sometimes have cheap contact paper that doesn’t look so good. But backsplashes can actually increase the value of your kitchen if you install a quality backsplash. A quality backsplash doesn’t have to be an extremely expensive purchase, so a kitchen remodeling project shouldn’t allocate a large portion of the budget on this. A new backsplash can make the kitchen look complete and full, and anyone visiting the kitchen will sense that the kitchen is well-maintained.
RELATED: Where to start and stop your backsplash
A kitchen island is a popular feature because it comes with so many benefits, along with upgrading the look of the whole kitchen. It’s a kind of space that brings people’s attention while making the kitchen look bigger. Though you shouldn’t add an island to a small kitchen.
However, the island can be good storage for appliances and other products. You can hide power outlets inside the island. And you can do food prep and serving on the island counter.
There is another way to maximize kitchen value while remodeling on a tight budget. You can make a multipurpose work area in the kitchen by adding a desk area where you can utilize the space for your work from home responsibilities. You can then flip it to food prep. Also, another great use of the space is having kids use the space to do their homework while their parents can cook and supervise them.
The kitchen is a space that can always use more storage. There’s never enough room for your cutlery, Tupperware, bowls, cookware, and appliances, however the goal is always to remove the clutter from your countertop. That’s why you need to make some additional storage during your kitchen remodel. Some ideas are storage under the island, blind corners, shelving, etc. These storage units can add more value to your kitchen, and tidy up the clutter.
Speaking of clutter, if you like watching DIY home improvement videos, then you must’ve seen how those people get rid of old materials by destroying them with hammers. Don’t just follow everything they do! You can certainly declutter and donate.
You can carefully remove the old cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, or any other materials and list them for resale. It will bring you some good money that you can use to improve your kitchen more without spending raw money. So, it’s a good way to maximize the kitchen renovation value on a budget.
Kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be a complex job if you can plan out the renovation process and budget beforehand. Some people may advise that you can save a lot by DIYing everything. But unless you’re an expert on DIY, you shouldn’t try doing everything; otherwise, it’ll be a mess and cost you a fortune. If you’re in the Kansas City area and want to consult with a design and build company, reach out to Wineteer for a free estimate. Not all home remodeling projects fit within the DIY scope, so knowing and trusting a top kitchen remodeling company can save you money in the long run.
If you want to remodel your home, many people will suggest you hire a design-builder. One may ask… what exactly is a design-builder? According to wikipedia, it is a method to deliver a project in which the design and construction services are contracted by a single entity known as the design–builder or design–build contractor. It can be subdivided into architect-led design–build (ALDB, sometimes known as designer-led design–build) and contractor-led design–build. A homeowner may explore the design-build contractor options and determine they are the most qualified for home renovation projects, as they will save you money over the years. So, let’s get to know more about them.
Again, when designers, builders, and other specialists work as a team under one single contract with the project client or owner to provide construction services, this method is called ‘design-build.’ In brief, in a design-build project, there is only one contract, one organization, and one coordinated flow of work. Wineteer is continually reminded by our clients how important their seamless process is for a stress-free home remodel. With Wineteer, you will have a dedicated team of professionals that will walk you along each step of the remodel. This isn’t always the case with home remodeling companies, so be sure you ask questions and understand the contractual and design/build side.
There are many reasons why you should consider hiring a design-builder for your bathroom, kitchen, whole home, and aging in place remodeling project. Here are the main reasons:
In traditional remodeling projects, homeowners dealt with designers, contractors, subcontractors, architects, retailers, workers, and other people depending on the home remodeling scope of work. This makes the work slow, adds additional stress, causes budgeting nightmares if not monitored correctly, increases disruptions to daily life, and has more chances for miscommunication.
But when you hire a design-builder for the project, the company combines all of the activities under a single umbrella, and thus the homeowners will work with the same team from the first meeting to the completion of the project. As Wineteer explains it… once you partner with us, you will become family. The homeowner will see the same crew each day during the remodeling project. In this way, everyone will function more effectively, and challenging problems can be handled more efficiently.
RELATED: The benefits of hiring a design-build contractor for your home remodel
If you don’t hire a design-builder, you will naturally spend extra because of inaccurate or unanticipated problems, or change orders as they arise. However, a design-builder can give you an accurate cost-analysis before starting the work and prevent unexpected expenditures during or after your project is done.
However, you can always decide to add more to your project or make changes throughout the process, which can easily be adjusted in the design-builder billing. It’s a much easier and more seamless way to make the changes compared to tracking down a contractor to implement the changes, pay them, then get back on track.
Since the work is centralized and team members are connected to each other through the central hub, communication becomes easier, faster, and more efficient. Many local home remodeling companies have extensive experience and relationships with vendors that will allow for superior customer service and finishes.
In most cases, it’s crucial for you to get the remodeling project done within the agreed-upon schedule. Also, knowing when the project will end will help you save money and get started with other finishing projects. When you work with a design-build company, they always finish their work on time, sometimes even faster than the estimated time.
Understanding functionality and needs is crucial for any remodeling project; it’s much more than just being appealing. When skilled designers remodel a house, they first make it a high-functioning area with minimal disruption, and bring a vision to life.
Moreover, with a design-builder, you can get the combined expertise they’ve gathered by working on many different projects over the years. They won’t take any shortcuts; rather, they will combine all their knowledge and information to make your project the best one.
We all need to keep in mind that unforeseen problems can occur while remodeling and renovating a home. However, the risk can be reduced if you work with a design-build company. They can minimize risks as their team has the skills and knowledge to address any issues and fix them in the best way possible. The communication will go directly between the homeowner and the design-builder, and won’t be a game of telephone to figure out what’s happening.
They can also take preventive measures beforehand to eliminate the possibility of risks. In this way, the cost of emergency risk management will also decrease.
Handling the remodeling of your home can be very stressful from time to time. You may get confused about how you should start the project, whom you should contact, when invoices are due, or what you are responsible for during the process.
However, with the design-builder to guide you through each and every step with their knowledgeable assistance, you will feel relaxed throughout the remodeling process.
Design-build firm members can always handle unexpected and challenging situations better. Also, they can provide you with a quick solution if you want to add or remove anything from the planned project. Their flexibility makes the homeowner satisfied in any kind of situation.
When work is not properly organized and there are miscommunications, disputes among the parties and workers arise. But when a centralized design-build firm handles the remodeling project, everything is properly organized and there are fewer disputes.
Depending on your project’s unique requirements, you may want to explore the consideration of a design-build company. You should have an open and honest question with potential home remodeling design-builders and discuss your budget, timeline, goals, vision, etc. You can determine quickly if the project will be a match for the said contractor.
Hiring a design-builder is definitely a good idea for homeowners who want to partner with a company who cares about their reputation and the project itself. If you think about it, the design-builder has so much more on the line than a single contractor who comes in for a day, does their job, and leaves. If you’re considering a home remodeling project in the Kansas City area, reach out to Wineteer to see if we can answer your questions. We are there to help you bring your vision to life!
As with any home remodeling project, there are many factors to consider. Everything from your budget and timeline to space optimization and trendy colors, homeowners around the Kansas City area are turning to contractors like Wineteer Construction to complete a whole home, or exterior home remodeling projects. This article will provide 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel to consider as we can enjoy all four seasons in the Kansas City area. Let’s begin!
#1. The first of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is the exterior paint and aesthetics. Many neighborhood associations will flag homes in dire need of a paint job, so the exterior of homes around Kansas City are well maintained. However, with an exterior home remodel, you may want to revamp your existing paint color from the browns and tans to the grays, or even white palettes that are trendy in 2023. In addition, homeowners have many other considerations when it comes to the actual exterior texture of their home.
There are endless options when it comes to remodeling the exterior of your home. When homeowners decide to proceed with a home remodel, one of the first spots they tend to “research” is on Pinterest, Houzz, or simply Google. Homeowners can easily become overwhelmed with the amount of options available for home remodeling. So many of our clients around Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, and all of Johnson County, have found that partnering with a reputable contractor like Wineteer has made the experience entirely different and enjoyable. With Wineteer, the process is different than other Kansas City home remodeling contractors. We take the time to listen to the client from the very beginning and understand their desires, wants, non-negotiables, while offering our expertise on design choices and spacial suggestions. Together, the partnership is unmatched.
Another aspect of the exterior paint and aesthetics are the windows. Replacing the existing windows and doors can have a huge impact on many factors of your home, including energy efficiency, temperature regulation, appearance, and overall an increase in your home’s value. If you’re in the Kansas City area, reach out to Wineteer Construction for your window replacement needs!
#2. The second of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is the landscaping. Before we begin the exterior of the home, will any of the landscaping be impacted, moved, changed, or added? Is the homeowner changing the shrubbery surrounding the front door? Will the stones to the doorway change? Will the flower beds be extended or replaced? All of the landscaping impacts the home’s exterior and should be considered before the exterior home remodel begins.
RELATED: Plants that Thrive in Kansas City
#3. The third idea for an Exterior Home Remodel is adding character. Have you ever driven into a neighborhood and each house looks the same? Same paint palette, same configuration and elevation, same landscaping, etc. While you’re considering an exterior home remodel, or any home remodel, why not add some charm? Now is the time to add that pop of color to your front door or garage. Have you wanted to do some cool outdoor plants, or solar lights? Now’s the perfect time. Adding any character, or charm, to your home truly makes it yours. These are the simple, and inexpensive, details that people will notice, and fall in love with!
#4. The fourth of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is to consider your home’s concrete, including your sidewalk, driveway, walk way, porch, patio. This seems like such a boring consideration, but think about it for a moment. Your home’s concrete driveway and sidewalk are one of the first aspects of a home that people see. If your concrete is damaged, uneven, or cracking and crumbling, this is simply an eyesore. In addition to the aesthetic displeasure, this can be a dangerous situation. The #1 visit in hospital emergency rooms is due to falls. Be sure your exterior concrete is safe, secure, and level.
There’s also a layer of creativity you can add to your home through the concrete. This article, 22 Concrete Driveway Ideas to Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal, showcases some really cool creative ways to draw attention to your home, including concrete tiles, pavers, colored concrete finishes, polished and stained concrete, and even two-toned concrete.
#5. The final of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is a home addition, including a new patio, extended kitchen, outdoor kitchen, or renovation the front porch. When it comes to considering the home addition path, you should consult with a local design and build form. Companies like Wineteer Construction help homeowners in the Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, Lee’s Summit, and Brookside complete the most beautiful and seamless home renovations. There are so many options out there when you begin the journey of a home remodel. Feel free to reach out to the team at Wineteer Construction for design and budget discussions. Click here to begin the process.
Home remodeling projects bring a modern, fresh update to the special places in your home, and they should align your needs with your style.
After meeting with our experts and sharing your remodeling vision, the fun begins. Keep reading to see what happens throughout a remodeling project:
We are fortunate to work with some of the best material providers in the area who have impeccable taste and access to intricate and high-quality materials for cabinetry, counters, tile and much more.
As you begin planning your own home remodeling project, contact our experts for a consultation.
Our team at Wineteer Construction wishes you a happy Labor Day! We hope you’re able to enjoy some time off with loved ones while appreciating and celebrating our American workers!
Chief Operating Officer Jeff Adair has the pleasure of assisting our team in exceeding customer expectations while working with hard-working skilled craftsmen on a daily basis. With over three decades of knowledge and experience in the industry, Jeff is an expert in operations, management, database development and systems engineering.
In other words, Jeff is an integral part of Wineteer Construction’s ability to ensure that remodeling projects are “Planned Right. Priced Right. Done Right.” Get to know the team and the heart behind Wineteer Construction, and see how our skilled craftsmen and high-quality products are exactly what you need in your home renovation plans.
Contact us to schedule a remodeling consultation, and have a great Labor Day!
Have you seen Mike’s last appearance on KC Live continuing the conversation of Hanley Wood’s Home Remodeling Cost vs. Value? Watch it here >
UPDATE: Mike Dodd’s next appearance on KC Live will be tomorrow, June 16 at 10 a.m. CT! He will focus in on how you can be sure you’ll get the home remodeling projects will be “Planned Right. Priced Right. Done Right,” with Wineteer Construction, so be sure to tune in!
Connect with us for more information on how you can make sure you get the best quality and value for your home remodeling projects.
