Useful tips about building permits in The Netherlands.
So you made up your mind: you’re going to upgrade your house. Before you embark on the journey of renovating it, it’s good to have an overview of all the aspects that this entails. At the beginning of this process, you might start thinking of all the different ways you could improve your home and weighing in the pros and cons for each option. Your initial ideas might leave you feeling excited about the potential of this transformation. However, it’s useful to balance this early excitement with a consideration of what is conceivable from a legal point of view, i.e. permits. It’s better to make an informed decision regarding what you would like your home to look and feel like after taking notice of the aspects required for successfully implementing your plan.
To make this process as smooth as possible, there are a few useful things to consider about permits; from how to figure out if a permit is required for the kind of work that you would like to do, to the type of permits that you might need and what could happen if this is not clearly determined from the beginning.
It’s better to make an informed decision regarding what you would like your home to look and feel like after taking notice of the aspects required for successfully implementing your plan.
Is a permit needed for the changes you have in mind?
Based on your address, you can check whether you need a permit and if so, apply for one, here. It’s good to keep in mind that while this tool will give you a general indication of whether a permit might be needed, the results it comes up with are not always perfectly accurate. In general, a permit will be required if the changes you intend to make affect the main structure of the building, and if the building is either in a protected area or if it is classified as a monument. If the building is classified as a national monument, it is not as likely that making changes to it will be permitted, while in the case of a municipal monument, it might be possible to renovate the exterior or make some small changes on the inside if a permit is granted. For more clarity, it’s best to contact your own municipality or an architect, as they will be able to give a more well-adjusted answer in line with the regulations that apply to your particular case.
Types of permits
In the Netherlands, when you plan to start any type of construction, or make improvements to your house, you might need an ‘all-in-one permit for physical aspects’. In Dutch, this permit is called ‘omgevingsvergunning’. Applying for this permit will cover a series of different areas, such as construction, fire safety, and the installation of alarm systems. For a full list of the different purposes that this permit is intended for, click here. If you are renovating your house, it’s most likely that you will have to select the ‘all-in-one permit for building, rebuilding or renovating’ when applying.
For more clarity, it’s best to contact your own municipality or an architect, as they will be able to give a more well-adjusted answer in line with the regulations that apply to your particular case.
Is it important to obtain a permit?
The importance of a permit should not be overlooked. Failing to take this into account is a risk that might lead to serious consequences, such as getting a fine, having your constructions stopped, or even reversed. This would result in a waste of time, money, and resources. Starting to build without a permit is also likely to be less safe and could lead to work that is not up to the highest standards. Additionally, it could be difficult to get insurance or to sell your house at a later point1. It is much easier to consider all the factors that go into determining whether a permit might be needed prior to having your house renovated.
While renovating your home is a great experience in itself that could lead to a new, invigorated flow and better daily interactions, it’s best not to forget the legal requirements involved in this project. With the appropriate balance between your own wishes and the respective legal, as well as technical and financial considerations, your home can live up to its best potential.
If you have any questions about permits, or if you would like to know more about how we can help renovate your own home, then get in touch with us. We would be happy to help with any questions you might have.
