The most common mistake owners make when altering their buildings is choosing the wrong permit: applying for restoration when the work is an addition, or for a modification when the building already breaches its permit, so the application comes back and time is lost, or carrying out work without a permit thinking it is "minor". This guide gives a comparison table based on Balady's service definitions, a quick rule for telling them apart, practical examples of the most common cases, and questions that settle the route before you start.
Comparison Table
| Service | Official definition in brief | Basic condition |
|---|---|---|
| Restoration permit | Technical repair to restore the previous condition, without adding a new component or changing structural elements | A valid building permit |
| Adding and modifying building components | Adding, modifying and removing building components in the permit | A building permit |
| Existing building status rectification | Issuing a permit for an existing building, with the municipality calculating any fines | A building permit or a survey decision for rectification |
A Quick Rule
If the work adds, changes or removes a component, it is a modification. If it repairs without change, it is restoration. If the building exists without a permit or breaches it, start with status rectification.
Examples to Determine the Route
| Work | Route |
|---|---|
| Repairing cracks and leaks | Restoration |
| Re-rendering, painting and waterproofing | Restoration |
| Adding a floor and removing an annex | Adding and modifying components (per Balady's answer) |
| Opening a new shop or door onto the street | Adding and modifying components |
| Adding a lift or parking | Adding and modifying components |
| An old building with no permit that I want to modify | Status rectification after a survey decision for the same purpose |
| An existing annex built without a permit | Usually status rectification |
| Strengthening damaged columns | Not restoration by definition; the office sets the route with a structural report |
Why Does the Distinction Matter?
- Time: an application for the wrong service comes back and you start again.
- Compliance: work outside a permit's scope is a violation even if you hold another permit. Read: Fines for non-compliant buildings.
- Safety: structural work needs assessment and design that simple restoration does not.
- Later services: occupancy, sorting and sale depend on the building matching its permit.
Questions That Settle the Route
- Does the building have a permit visible on Balady? If not, start with status rectification or data correction. Read: Old permit not showing.
- Does the current building match its permit?
- Does the work change areas, openings, floors or use?
- Does the work touch columns, beams, slabs or load-bearing walls?
For the full route using three questions: Which permit does an existing building need?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can restoration and addition be combined?
Each service has its scope; the engineering office determines the right route based on the works.
Is renewing a facade restoration or modification?
Restoring the facade as it was is restoration; changing its design or making new openings is modification. Read: Facade restoration and renewal.
Is removing an internal wall a modification?
If it is load-bearing, it is a structural change needing assessment and modification; if not, the office defines its scope.
Read more about each service
See: The restoration permit, Modifying building components, and Status rectification and fines.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that identifies the right service for your works from the start, prepares the drawings and reports, and handles the permit. 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.
