Risks of remodeling without a permit
Most cities require that homeowners obtain a building permit before making modifications to their residence.
Which modifications require a permit vary by city. Also, some cities are more vigilant than others in enforcing
permit laws.
In order for the homeowner to receive a permit, the homeowner or his/her designee are required to file plans
and pay fees to the city. In addition, the improvements are given a value. If they increase the value of the
property, this may result in an increase in property taxes. Inspections are often required, and this means
having to schedule and then wait for inspectors to approve the work to be done. This process can be time
consuming and inconvenient in the short run. It is for this reason that some homeowners skip the permit
process.
If a permit is needed and you fail to get one, the city may discover this at some time in the future and
getting a permit retroactively can frequently be significantly more expensive and much more problematic than
having obtained the permit before work commenced. If work is not done in accordance with city procedures or
if the inspector is unable to determine if the work has been done properly, the homeowner could be required
to open walls, tear up floors, so that the inspection may take place. In addition, by law, work not permitted
where a permit was required must be disclosed to any prospective purchaser. This may cause the owner to
discount their sale price or perform costly or time-consuming repairs before title can be transferred.
For prospective buyers of a property, save yourself the future hassle and loss of money by researching
whether all work on the premises has been done according to code and with the proper permits. You may
obtain these permits by going directly to Building & Safety in the municipality in which the property is located
or by hiring a "permit puller" who will research the permits for you.
Most cities require that homeowners obtain a building permit before making modifications to their residence.
Which modifications require a permit vary by city. Also, some cities are more vigilant than others in enforcing
permit laws.
In order for the homeowner to receive a permit, the homeowner or his/her designee are required to file plans
and pay fees to the city. In addition, the improvements are given a value. If they increase the value of the
property, this may result in an increase in property taxes. Inspections are often required, and this means
having to schedule and then wait for inspectors to approve the work to be done. This process can be time
consuming and inconvenient in the short run. It is for this reason that some homeowners skip the permit
process.
If a permit is needed and you fail to get one, the city may discover this at some time in the future and
getting a permit retroactively can frequently be significantly more expensive and much more problematic than
having obtained the permit before work commenced. If work is not done in accordance with city procedures or
if the inspector is unable to determine if the work has been done properly, the homeowner could be required
to open walls, tear up floors, so that the inspection may take place. In addition, by law, work not permitted
where a permit was required must be disclosed to any prospective purchaser. This may cause the owner to
discount their sale price or perform costly or time-consuming repairs before title can be transferred.
For prospective buyers of a property, save yourself the future hassle and loss of money by researching
whether all work on the premises has been done according to code and with the proper permits. You may
obtain these permits by going directly to Building & Safety in the municipality in which the property is located
or by hiring a "permit puller" who will research the permits for you.
| "Helping hundreds of people find the home of their dreams." Contact me today! |
Emilie Romero,
Certified Realtor
Certified Realtor
