Hanging drywall in the garage is a common practice. Many people in the states prefer putting drywall in their garages to make them look better and insulate the place. But, like other home renovation, addition, or repair projects, do you need a permit to hang drywall?
The answer varies from state to state. Since these permits are bylaws, they are not universal for every community. But, according to the building code of many states, you might require a permit to hang drywall in your garage. But for replacing or reconstructing existing drywall, you might not need one.
Let’s dig deeper into that.
Do You Need A Permit To Hang Drywall On A New Garage?
Yes. In some states, you need a permit to hang drywall on new walls in your garage. The local building authority sets some rules and conditions that you need to follow while hanging drywall.
If you want to make any structural changes to your building and add seams, beams, or pillars to your garage, you must obtain a permit first. Sometimes, you may need to alter the structure of the frames to fit the drywall sheets. So, to be on the safe side, it’s wise to obtain a permit.
You also need a permit to work with the plumbing system and the electrical wiring. Workings with drywalls come along with these things also, so it’s better to take a permit.
Also, in some areas, you need to follow the fire resistance code. The local building authority sends an inspector to check the wall before putting any tiles or drywall over it.
However, in the state of Florida, you do not require a permit to hang drywall unless you’re altering the structure or making the garage part of your home. In a detached garage, you wouldn’t require a permit.
You can read How long does it take to hang drywall?
Do You Need A Permit To Repair Drywall?
No, you don’t need a permit to repair the damaged drywall in your garage. Garage drywalls can get worn out over time. It can be replaced or renovated without any permits.
But make sure not to alter the structure of your garage. Also, don’t change the size and shape of the door and windows.
Different Types Of Permits That You Might Need
While working in your garage, you might require two types of permits, depending on the project.
Building Permit
This permit is required when you’re going to build a new structure or try to reshape and attach a new structure to an existing one. If you’re building a wall and hanging drywall on it, you’ll need this permit.
Demolition Permit
If you’re looking forward to tearing down an existing structure and rebuilding it, you’ll need a demolition permit. In some rare cases, the local building authority might want you to have an inspection permit.
There are also electric permits, plumbing permits, and mechanical permits that you might require in some cases.
How Much Do You Need To Pay For A Drywall Permit?
The fee isn’t that expensive, though. It entirely depends on the kind of work or drywall you’re looking forward to doing in your garage/house. Also, the fee varies from state to state.
In NYC, the fee depends on the cost of the project. If it’s less than $25,000, you will have to pay $95. (Ref)
Overall, the permit cost ranges from $50 to $300 for small jobs. There can be some submission fees as well.
To know the exact amount, consult with the local building authority or visit their website.
How Can You Get A Permit To Hang Drywall?
It can be quite a hassle to get the permit, especially if you don’t know the right procedure. It’s always wise to visit the website of your local building authority to get the right information.
Here is a basic procedure that might make the whole process easy for you:
What Happens If You Do Not Take A Permit?
First of all, building permits are not central laws. They are applied by the local government or municipality to ensure the safety of the area or zone. So, violating the law would not involve the police or jurisprudence.
You can get into some trouble if you violate these bylaws. They are:
FAQs
What projects require a permit?
Any project that involves remodeling, constructing a new structure, or altering the existing features requires a permit. You need definitely require a permit for electrical wiring, plumbing works, building new structures, and changing the existing layout.
How much does it cost to drywall a garage?
The cost varies depending on the place, size of the garage, materials, labor cost, etc. But on average, you may need to spend $2 per square foot to drywall your garage.
How long does it take to obtain a building permit?
After you submit your application, the authority will take a week or so to provide you with the permit. It depends on the availability of the authority and the city you’re living in.
Conclusion
Following the community and local government, codes are necessary while building your home. Your garages are an inseparable part of your house, and any construction in the garage might require a permit depending on the area you’re living in.
So, do you need a permit to hang drywall? Check the website of the local building authority and find out the answer.
