Soffit removal in Milpitas, CA

Check before you plan

Opening a small hole or looking from the attic shows whether the soffit is empty. In homes built before 1981, have drywall, joint compound and ceiling texture tested for asbestos before demolition.

When ducts live inside

A range hood duct, bath fan duct or heating run in the soffit has to be rerouted through the ceiling or attic. That work is mechanical and needs a permit.

Terms you may see

Bulkhead: another word for soffit. Chase: an enclosed path for pipes or ducts. Furring: thin strips used to build out a surface. Skim coat: a thin plaster layer to blend a patched ceiling.

Permits in Milpitas

Milpitas requires a building permit for remodeling and repair work on homes, and the permit has to be issued before work starts, even if the plans are already in review.
Separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits cover installing, replacing or relocating sinks, gas lines, wiring and hoods. Finish work such as painting, tiling, cabinets and countertops does not need a building permit.
Kitchen remodel permits are among the permits the Office of Building Safety offers online. A property owner can pull a permit for any work; a licensed contractor pulls it as the owner's agent for work the license covers.

City of Milpitas Office of Building Safety · 455 E. Calaveras Blvd, (408) 586-3240

Common questions

Is soffit removal messy?

There is dust and ceiling patching, but it is usually done during the same demolition as the cabinets.

What goes in the space after?

Taller wall cabinets, stacked cabinets with glass uppers, or crown molding to the ceiling.