"All works that doesn’t affect the structural element of the building are regarded as Renovation while those that has to do with alteration of the structure, additional floor and redevelopment works on a building are considered Reconstruction/Remodelling.”....

Renovation works on a building are works that changes or adds to the aesthetics of a building for example, changing of windows or doors, re-plastering, re-roofing, replacement of flooring, re-cladding, re-tiling, bathroom and kitchen remodelling, plumbing and electrical work etc. All works that doesn’t affect the structural element of the building are regarded as Renovation while those that has to do with alteration of the structure, additional floor and redevelopment works on a building are considered Reconstruction/Remodelling.

For both cases, a permit known as a Renovation Permit is required and according to Lagos State Government laws, no building shall be renovated in the state without a renovation permit granted by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).

Documents required for obtaining a renovation permit includes;
- An as-built drawing showing the proposed alteration superimposed on the existing design
- A copy of the previous building plan permit (if any)
- A letter of structural stability and indemnity signed by a registered structural engineer.
- A Non-Destructive Test (NDT) report.

When officers of the approving office has inspected the building and can verify that it can withstand all alteration and redevelopment works to be done, then the authority can grant a renovation permit.

When a building doesn’t have a previous planning permit, the application would attract 25% of the supposed processing fee before a permit can be granted.

When a build has been granted a renovation permit it is crucial that you visit the office of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) before commencing renovation works.

You will need to present your permit and also a letter of supervision from a COREN registered structural engineer (for cases of reconstruction/remodelling) before you can start work.