Want to open a shop on your building's frontage, merge two apartments, change the facade, add a lift, or remove a wall to enlarge a living room? The first question before anything else: is this a component modification or a restoration? Each has a different Balady service; applying for the wrong one gets the application returned, and doing the work without a permit makes it a violation. This guide explains the difference, gives practical examples, sets out the requirements of the adding and modifying components service, and covers what to watch for when changing use or touching the structure.
Modification vs. Restoration
- Adding and modifying building components: allows adding, modifying and removing building components in the permit, such as floors, annexes, parking, openings and uses.
- Restoration: per Balady's definition, returning the building to its previous good condition by technically repairing one or more defects, without adding a new component or changing structural elements.
For the full comparison read: Restoration vs. modification vs. addition.
Common Examples
| Work | Likely route |
|---|---|
| Opening shops on a residential ground floor | Component modification, with a review of permitted use |
| Merging two apartments or dividing a unit | Component modification |
| Adding a floor or annex | Adding components. Read: Additional floor permit |
| Adding a lift | Adding components. Read: Adding a lift to an existing building |
| Adding parking | Adding components (parking is a building component) |
| Changing the facade design | Depends on the scope. Read: Facade restoration and renewal |
| Removing a wall | If load-bearing, a modification needing a structural assessment |
| Repairing cracks or damage without change | Restoration |
Requirements of the Adding and Modifying Components Service
- A building permit visible on Balady and matching the current building.
- A contract with an engineering office.
- Drawings showing the current state and the proposed modification.
- A structural assessment when touching the structure or adding loads.
- Payment of the service fee.
If the permit does not appear, read: Old permit not showing on Balady. If the building already breaches its permit, start with status rectification. Read: Which permit does an existing building need?
Touching the Structure: When Is a Structural Assessment Needed?
- Removing or altering load-bearing walls, columns or beams.
- Making large openings in walls or slabs.
- Adding new loads: a floor, annex, tanks, or a rooftop pool.
- Adding a lift that needs an opening and a shaft.
The assessment determines whether the modification is possible as is, needs strengthening, or is not possible. Read: Can your building carry an additional floor?
Watch Out When Changing Use
Converting a residential part to commercial depends on the site's permitted use, and may bring extra safety requirements, approvals and more parking. See our Civil Defense licence service, and read: Parking requirements by activity.
Common Mistakes
- Carrying out the modification and then trying to license it.
- Applying for restoration for work that changes components.
- Removing a wall without knowing whether it is load-bearing.
- Opening shops on a street that does not allow commercial use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing interior finishes need a permit?
Finishes that do not touch components or structural elements differ from component modification; consult the office to define the scope.
An old building with no permit, and I want to modify it?
Start with existing building status rectification after a survey decision for the same purpose, per Balady.
Does a tenant need the owner's consent to modify?
The service is tied to the owner's building permit, so coordination with the owner is required.
Can two apartments be merged in a sorted building?
That affects the sorting record and owners' rights, and needs additional procedures. Read: The owners' association after sorting.
Does the modification need engineering supervision?
Structural work needs supervision to ensure it follows the drawings and the assessment.
Related Guides
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that identifies the right service for your modification, carries out the structural assessment, designs the change and handles its permit and construction supervision. Learn about our adding and modifying components service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.
