Homeowner guide

Remodeling Permits, Licenses, and Insurance

Verify requirements with the responsible authority for the address and proposed work; do not rely only on a verbal assurance.

Why this record matters

A mailing address, contractor statement, or past project does not establish the current requirement. Verify the responsible jurisdiction, the exact scope, and the contractor information directly with the issuing authority.

Checklist

Confirm the property's governing city or county jurisdiction.
Ask the permit office which building and trade permits the scope requires.
Verify the contractor with the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board when its rules apply.
Request current insurance evidence from the issuing agent or carrier.
Record who applies for permits and schedules inspections.
For pre-1978 homes, ask how lead-safe renovation requirements apply.

Questions the record should answer

Which office governs the project address?
Which building and trade permits apply to the written scope?
Whose name appears on each application and permit?
How will current license, insurance, inspection, and final-approval records be retained?

Related decisions

Apply this guide to a remodeling project.

Official references

Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board: How to Hire a Builder: State consumer guidance on licensing, references, contracts, payments, and verification.
U.S. EPA: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Lead-safe renovation requirements and homeowner guidance for many pre-1978 properties.

Requirements depend on the property, scope, jurisdiction, and current rules. Verify them directly before work begins.