The question comes with almost every renovation quote. The answer is in Law 50/1991, article 11, which lists the works that can be done without a building permit.

No permit needed

• interior and exterior painting, unless the façade colour set by local rules changes;
• replacing floors, tiling, interior joinery;
• replacing exterior windows and doors without changing the openings (the window stays the same size);
• repairs and replacements of interior installations (plumbing, electrical, heating), including fitting a certified boiler;
• roof repairs without changing its shape;
• fitting air-conditioning units, within façade rules.

Permit needed

• any change to the load-bearing structure: bearing walls, beams, slabs, new openings in bearing walls;
• change of use (flat to office, garage to dwelling);
• loft conversions, extensions, balcony enclosures that alter the façade;
• new utility connections.

How to know for sure

For any wall you want removed, a structural engineer checks the original design and tells you whether it bears load. It costs a few hundred lei and saves you a fine of tens of thousands and a halted job. For our clients, the check is included in the renovation quote.

Informative; local rules (zoning plan, protected areas, owners' association) may add conditions.