Do I need a building permit to finish out a basement?

[Tyler Bond]

Hey BP, we just purchased our first property and will be doing some renovations as we live here for the 1st year. The basement is 65% UNFINISHED and I am wanting to add value by finishing it out and putting in a second bathroom (there are already 2 finished bedrooms in the basement). We are in the Provo, UT area and wondering if anyone has experience/knowledge with building permits? Do we need one to get started? What work needs to be done by a licensed contractor? I have been unsuccessful in getting in touch with anyone at the permitting office, perhaps because of the holidays... Please help, thanks! 

[Janice S.]

When it comes to adding square footage a permit is technically required even if you are doing some of the work yourself. You will pull the permit as the homeowner. I believe you pull the permit for the entire project as opposed to each trade pulling their own separate permit. The main reason why homeowners opt not to pull a permit is because building improvement will increase property taxes. If you are new to renovations I would highly suggest pulling a permit so that you have some assurance (inspections) the work that is being performed is to code.