Do I need a permit to perform minor repairs on a BRRR property?

[Jordan Santley]

I live in TN. My wife and I are looking for a duplex or triplex to house hack/BRRRR. We plan on gaining some equity from value add. My question: Do I need some kind of permit to make cosmetic changes to the house? Like putting in flooring, fixing drywall, repainting in inside and outside, or adding light fixtures? If not, where is the line that tells me what I can or cannot do myself without a permit? Thanks in advance!

[JD Martin]

Quote from @Jordan Santley:

I live in TN. My wife and I are looking for a duplex or triplex to house hack/BRRRR. We plan on gaining some equity from value add. My question: Do I need some kind of permit to make cosmetic changes to the house? Like putting in flooring, fixing drywall, repainting in inside and outside, or adding light fixtures? If not, where is the line that tells me what I can or cannot do myself without a permit? Thanks in advance!

I'm in TN. Depends on where you are. If you are in the county you can do just about anything without a permit. If you are in city limits each city is different but in general homeowners don't need permits to change light fixtures, flooring, painting, repairing drywall, changing kitchen cabinets, replacing non-structural plumbing (faucet, toilet, showerhead), change light switches or outlets. In general, just about anything that happens on the visible side of a wall within the living space. Most cities will require a permit or some proven homeowner knowledge to do anything mechanical (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing replacement, etc.).