Remodeling your kitchen in The Greater Lansing area usually requires a building permit, and often electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits depending on your project’s scope. Knowing what you need before construction starts helps avoid delays, sets correct expectations for timelines, and reduces unnecessary stress. In our line of work, we often hear from homeowners that they have been told by other contractors that permits are not required for their kitchen remodel, and that is almost always just not true. A major kitchen remodel will almost always require permits to be pulled to complete the work. It is also in the homeowners’ best interest to ensure that proper permits are pulled and that inspections take place on the work being done in their home.
The four types of permits typically required for a kitchen remodel are:
Permits are required when a kitchen remodel is more than maintenance work or goes beyond simple cosmetic updates. A kitchen remodel almost always requires permits when the following work is being done:
Many cosmetic remodeling jobs in kitchens do NOT require permits. Examples of kitchen modifications that do not require permits are as follows:
Each jurisdiction does have some differences to what they require or how they handle permits. We have found some counties to be more relaxed with requirements, while others tend to be more strict in their adherence to the Building Code.
As a licensed builder, we have learned how to best work with each jurisdiction to ensure that our projects follow all local and international building code requirements. We know that the inspectors are on the side of safety and ensuring best practices, and we want the same thing for our homeowners.
The short-term risks are that a local inspector is made aware that a kitchen remodel job is underway and can put an immediate stop to the work being completed. They can also issue fines and double or triple the permit fees for pulling permits after work is started. If some work has been completed, they may require that areas be removed or made accessible so they can properly inspect the work. This may result in large costs to redo work that has been completed.
The long-term risks can be even worse:
For a recent kitchen remodel in Okemos, our team helped homeowners open their floor plan by removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room. We handled the structural and electrical permits, coordinated with inspectors, and ensured everything passed on the first review – saving our clients weeks of potential delays.
There are reasons that many contractors tell homeowners that permits are not required.
Each permit pulled generally requires a rough inspection and a finish inspection. With four types of permits, that can mean eight different inspections. Scheduling inspections and some re-inspections can add days and weeks to the overall project timeline and some contractors are just not willing to do that. We are licensed and insured and in good standing with local jurisdictions. We believe in remodeling the best and most right way that is possible, and that means following local requirements to protect the safety and wellbeing of our homeowners. We understand the desire to get remodeling projects done quickly, but it is more important that we do so correctly as well.
At Odd Fellows Contracting, we handle all necessary permits on behalf of our clients.
Most permits are approved within 5–10 business days, depending on project complexity and review backlog.
Yes. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building inspections verify that your remodel meets Michigan code before final approval.
Sometimes. Older homes may require additional electrical or structural reviews to ensure modern safety standards are met.
Yes, we schedule and coordinate all inspections as part of our full-service process.
Planning a kitchen remodel? Our design–build team handles design, permitting, and construction so your project runs smoothly from start to finish.