Home Improvement Projects Simplified

What are energy efficiency rebate programs?

As you embark on your home renovation project, keep in mind that you can save energy and save money by choosing energy efficient appliances! Energy utilities, such as PG&E, have federally and locally funded rebate programs that offer customers money back on qualifying appliances that help reduce a home’s energy consumption.

To apply for a rebate, you must first purchase the appliance. So make sure you hang on to your receipt, you will need it to apply. Most appliance replacements require permits and some rebates require that you show proof of permit finalizations when you apply. In fact, some appliance upgrades require a licensed contractor to both install the appliance and apply for the rebate on the homeowner’s behalf. This is because it is imperative that appliances are installed safely. Certain technical measurements also have to be reported when applying for the rebates. However, homeowners can apply for some appliance rebates on their own.

Only certain brands and models qualify for rebates. As you shop for your appliance upgrades you can use the Symbium Appliance Center to check if the appliance you’re interested in qualifies for a rebate. Symbium will calculate how much money you can get back and connect you with registered contractors in your area who can install your appliance and apply for your rebates for you. You can also access all your permit information for your property, which you will need to apply for your rebate. You or your contractor can start an appliance rebate application on Symbium. Simply enter your project address, start a project, and enter your appliance information. Visit the Symbium Appliance Center.

When are building permits required in California?

Building permits typically entail permits of four different trades: Building, Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical. The type of permit you need will depend on the scope of your home improvement project.

Structural work, like moving walls or changing floor plans, require building permits. Work that involves connections to your home’s pipes (plumbing system), such as water heater replacements, require plumbing permits. Projects that require you to alter your home’s electrical wiring system require electrical permits, including installing appliances–especially if you’ll need an electrical panel upgrade to accommodate the additional amperage of the appliance. Work that involves mechanical components or gas line connections such as furnaces, range hoods, and bathroom ventilation fans, require mechanical permits.

It can be challenging to understand the codes that regulate when permits are required and what types of permits you need. Symbium takes the guesswork out of the home renovation process. You can instantly find out what permits are required, how to apply for permits, and schedule inspections by simply entering your appliance upgrade project at the Symbium Appliance Center.

What home improvement projects are exempt from permits?

Section R105.2 of the California Residential Code 2022 outlines the list of work exempt from permits for each trade. If your home improvement project is not specifically listed below, it will very likely require a permit (note: local jurisdictions may alter this list).

Building permits are NOT required for the following:

Building

1. One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
2. Fences not over 7 feet.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
4. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Sidewalks and driveways.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
8. Swings and other playground equipment.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
10. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.

Electrical

1. Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.
2. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets.
3. Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location.
4. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
5. Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

Gas

1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
3. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical

1. Portable heating appliances.
2. Portable ventilation appliances.
3. Portable cooling units.
4. Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative coolers.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.
8. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Plumbing

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

Who can apply for permits?

Either a licensed contractor or a homeowner can apply for permits.

Licensed Contractors can have a license to pull a permit for a single trade, multiple trades, or all trades. Ask your contractor for their 8-digit license number and enter it on the Contractors State License Board [https://www.cslb.ca.gov/onlineservices/checklicenseII/checklicense.aspx] license check to see the status of their license. Review the Classifications section to know what trade they can pull permits for.

Homeowners can pull every type of permit as an “owner-builder” as long as they are at least one of the property owners on the title. No license is required if the owner-builder does the work themself or through their own employees with wages as their sole compensation and the structures they work on are not intended for sale. Homeowners can also be owner-builders if they contract with properly licensed subcontractors.

Be aware that a frequent practice of unlicensed persons is to have the property owner obtain an “owner-builder” building permit that erroneously implies that the property owner is providing their own labor and material personally. As an Owner-Builder, you may be held liable and subject to serious financial risk for any injuries sustained by an unlicensed person and their employees while working on your property.

Using Symbium either you or your licensed contractor can apply for a permit online. Simply enter your project address and visit the Symbium Appliance Center to get started.

External Links

• How to read the EnergyGuide label
• Check a Contractor License or Home Improvement Salesperson Registration