When you’re living in a house, it’s easy to think about doing upgrades and additions without getting the permits. It’s your house, after all. Why not just get the work done?
There are a few problems with this, though, one of which is that permits are required for a lot of jobs and you can be shut down by the local government if they discover you’re doing the work without them. You don’t want to break the law in this regard, even in your own house.
Additionally, you want to think about the future. Sure, you’re living there now, but what if you decide to sell the house in the next few years? When doing so, potential buyers may ask you for the permits for your work. They could even walk away from the purchase without them.
So, what jobs require permits? There are many, but a few common examples include the following:
— Adding on to the home.– Putting on a new roof.– Moving electrical outlets or adding new ones.– Converting non-living spaces into living spaces.– Adding new windows and doors or blocking off old ones.
Again, these are just a few examples, and it is crucial to check into the permit requirements for every single job. There are plenty of small jobs you can do without having an inspection done or filling out paperwork, but you never want to assume that’s the case. Always know exactly what the law requires of you before you start that next project, or hire someone to do it. This will help you avoid penalties and make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Source: Real Estate Inspections, “Building Permits are Very Important to Buyers,” accessed Oct. 12, 2016