How to write a general remodel permit narrative
Remodel narratives fail when they read like a stream of consciousness across trades. Organize by trade, flag anything structural, and be explicit about what’s cosmetic (often exempt) versus what’s permitted work — that structure is what gets a multi-trade permit through.
What your narrative needs to include
- Rooms affected and overall intent
- Structural changes (wall removals need beam sizing and usually engineering)
- Electrical scope: new circuits, relocated outlets, lighting
- Plumbing scope: fixture relocations vs. like-for-like swaps
- Mechanical scope: duct or equipment changes
- What is cosmetic-only and excluded from permit scope
Example: a complete general remodel narrative
Project Description
This project involves a kitchen remodel within the existing footprint, including removal of one non-load-bearing partition wall between the kitchen and dining room, relocation of the sink within the same wall, and full electrical updates to current code. Cabinet, countertop, and flooring replacement are cosmetic and listed for completeness.
Scope of Work
- Demolish existing non-load-bearing partition wall (verified per attached framing assessment)
- Electrical: install new 20A small-appliance circuits, dedicated circuits for dishwasher and disposal, recessed lighting on dimmers, and AFCI/GFCI protection per NEC
- Plumbing: relocate kitchen sink supply and drain approximately 3 feet within the same wall; new shutoffs and P-trap
- Mechanical: extend existing range hood duct to exterior termination with backdraft damper
- Patch and finish drywall at affected areas
- Cosmetic (no permit scope): cabinets, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, LVP flooring
Materials & Methods
NM-B copper wiring with AFCI/GFCI protection, PEX supply and ABS drain piping, rigid metal duct for hood exhaust, 5/8" drywall at affected areas.
Work Not Included
Structural alterations to load-bearing elements. Window changes. Exterior work.
Contractor Statement
All trade work will be performed per the currently adopted residential, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes, with inspections requested at rough and final for each trade.
Mistakes that get general remodel permits kicked back
- Not stating whether removed walls are load-bearing — the first question every reviewer asks
- Mixing cosmetic and permitted work without labeling which is which
- Vague electrical scope in kitchens, where code requirements are dense
- Venting a range hood into the attic (or not saying where it terminates)
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