Question:

My son owns a newer townhouse with "flex-space" in the basement.  Currently, that garage space houses an open laundry area in the front end.  We are interested in building a fourth wall, and then adding a standard interior door into an existing wall (hallway) which is probably load-bearing.  Fortunately, the south wall has a very large window so I think this space has potential to be a nice laundryroom/workout room.

           

My brother (retired engineer) is quite handy and has experience with providing adequate support above the new door and doing the drywall, but we are wondering what kind of permits we would need and whom to contact in KC, MO.  I imagine the rewiring will require an electrician.  Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Sincerely,

Sue Slater

P.S.  Are you (your company) available for an estimate for the entire project if we decide to invest more and relocate the washer and dryer from the existing east wall to the new proposed north wall?

Answer:

The best advice I can offer is to contact the Development Services Department at the City of Kansas City, MO (816-531-1500).  I know that a permit will be required, but is it technically structural or non-structural?  There are different processes for each type of permit.

I spoke with a Development Services representative who informed me that if there is sheetrock involved, your project automatically needs a permit.  An interior remodel that is less than 25% structural may obtain a permit at the 5th floor of City Hall.  However, if the structural work is more that 25%, then a plan must be submitted to the Plans Review Division at 320 East 11th Street.   Therefore, if the wall where you plan to put the door is in fact load bearing, then a plan/drawing of this work would be required to obtain a permit.  If the wall is not load bearing, then this project would fall under the “non-structural renovation requiring permit” guidelines and a permit may be obtained over the counter at City Hall.

The City Planning and Development website states that regarding an electrical permit for a single family dwelling…”if you are the owner of a single family dwelling, then you are authorized to obtain permits for any work on the premises, provided that you occupy the dwelling and perform all the work yourself.  Any other person requesting permits to perform electrical, plumbing or heating and ventilation work must be a properly licensed contractor.” 

My company certainly does provide estimates if you should decide to increase the scope of work for this project.  There is also a great resource through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), this association produces a Remodeling Guide that gives tips for hiring a contractor as well as lists the members by category (if you just need an electrician or a handyman, etc.).  Visit remodelingkc.com for more information.