Los Angeles

[jalehofcolorado]

Hi, I have a three unit building. One of the tenants moved out and I want to remodel the apartment: New wood floors, replace appliances, paint, redo kitchen and bathroom counters, replace the bathtub with a shower. Stuff like that. Do I need a permit to get these things done. A neighbor who had remodeled their apartment (similar to ours) said I don't need a permit if I am not adding or removing a wall, is that true?

I am remodeling this to have a family member move in, not rent out for more. Also, do I need a licenced contractor to do this?

Thanks.

[BillR]

Most likely.  Contact your city hall.

[PhilipC]

any work over $500.00 require a permits.

[jalehofcolorado]

Actually I just went on their website. You don't need a permit for many things and it doesn't say anything about the $500.

You don't need a permit to install a cooking range, clothes dryer.

http://ladbs.org/LADBSWeb/faq.jsf

[inspector_guy]

Yes. A permit is required for most of the work you described. This "moving a wall" nonsense is a myth handed down through generations. A remodeled bathroom is subject to new/newer codes like an exhaust fan is necessary (even if there is a window). GFCI protected and tamper-resistant outlets are required as is an occupancy sensor. A shower drain must be a larger diameter than the old tub drain. A licensed contractor is recommended, but not required - so long as you do code-compliant work. A handyman cannot do more than $500.00 (including material).

[HarryV]

Anything over $500 requires a LICENSE. Almost everything requires a permit except interior paint jobs.

[Adam-la]

If you are painting in a multi-family property in Los Angeles you need to be aware of the EPA rules.

http://www.epa.gov/lead/rrp/consumers.html

[sheriff]

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jalehofcolorado wrote:

Hi, I have a three unit building. One of the tenants moved out and I want to remodel the apartment: New wood floors, replace appliances, paint, redo kitchen and bathroom counters, replace the bathtub with a shower. Stuff like that. Do I need a permit to get these things done. A neighbor who had remodeled their apartment (similar to ours) said I don't need a permit if I am not adding or removing a wall, is that true?

I am remodeling this to have a family member move in, not rent out for more. Also, do I need a licenced contractor to do this?

Thanks.

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The question is do you have the expertise to do this?  You will save a ton of money if you do.  Painting, installing wood floors and countertops are easy.  For the countertops, you can buy a slab and get the holes professional done then install it yourself. Many countertops have to be supported with plywood before you install them.   Measure 3 times before you have them cut it.  There are videos on youtube that will show you how to do floors.

The hardest thing you mention would be replacing the bathtub with a shower.  I am going to think long and hard about that one.  I have done all the previous things you mentioned while fixing up my place but I might leave that one to a professional.

[jalehofcolorado]

Hi,

Do you have a link to the City's website regarding what you wrote? Thanks.

[jalehofcolorado]

Hi

Do you have a link to the City's website regarding what you are stating? I can't find anything. Thanks.