The temptation of so many individuals undergoing a home remodel is to jump straight into the fun parts of new designs and layouts and call it an upgrade. What often gets lost in the shuffle is the permitting aspect. One may see issuing permits as a time-consuming and money-wasting activity, but one would soon realize it does bear its risks and penalties that can overshadow the perceived short-term gains.
Importance of Permits
Permits guarantee that any construction work meets safety standards, zoning requirements, and building codes in your area. They serve as protection to both the homeowner and, more generally, the public. A system of permit inspections maintains oversight of construction work so that it is done correctly and in a timely manner so as to avoid such hazards as electrical fires, structural collapses, or plumbing mayhem.
A homeowner’s insurance policy would cover damages associated with any other construction danger that has been permitted for the job.
Immediate Risks of Remodeling Without a Permit
Should you decide to avoid the permitted route, several immediate risks might come your way:
- City inspectors can order a stop-work order if they find any unauthorized work on your premises. This means that all work must be shut down immediately until a permit is obtained, usually involving the demolition of some or all work completed on the project.
- All municipalities usually impose heavy fines on those homeowners remodelling without permits. Penalties could range from hundreds of dollars to more than a thousand dollars, depending on how grievous the alleged violation might be.
- Unapproved construction may endanger the very safety of your home. Potential wiring systems, unstable structures, and plumbing may all be hazardous when ignored.
Masterful Construction will always advise homeowners to take a long-term perspective. Cutting corners on paperwork today could cost you dearly tomorrow in repairs, legal issues, or even in terms of personal safety.
Long-Term Consequences of Certain Unpermitted Remodeling
These immediate risks may concern you; however, the long-term consequences of remodeling without a permit are far and above being more serious:
- Selling Problems: During the sales process, buyers often request a timeline of permits for any substantial $ renovation work done on the home. Unpermitted work will frighten buyers or send deals directly into cancellation.
- Reduced Value: Without permits, improvements to the property cannot be considered during appraisal, limiting any resale potential.
- Insurance Denied: Should any damage occur to your home connected to unpermitted work, your homeowner’s insurance may deny repair coverage. In the worst-case scenario, they may even cancel your policy.
- Forced Removal: In some jurisdictions, these homeowners are required to demolish their unpermitted structures at the owner’s expense — even if the work was done correctly.xx
Masterful Construction believes that remodeling without a permit carries too much risk. It is always smarter — and cheaper — to do it right from the beginning.
Prevention of Issues: The Right Permits Acquisition
Here is how to legally remodel:
- Research Local Requirements: Each city and county has its own rules governing permits. You should check with the local building department prior to doing any work.
- Hire a Licensed Contractor: Licensed contractors, such as Masterful Constructio,know what steps to follow so that they can do the required permit work on your behalf.
- Budget for Permits: Allocate permit fees within your project cost. It’s just a small price to pay for a feeling of calmness.
- Small Projects are Exempt: Even if it is a small building project, such as a deck addition, garage conversion, or new window installation, it most probably requires a permit.
- Schedule Inspections: Usually, permits are followed by several inspections. These should be completed and passed before advancing with new phases of the project.
Permit Your Investment
The thrill of home renovation work is unique and immensely satisfying. The permits, however, create a significant deciding factor between a dream project and a nightmare of lawsuits and financial turmoil.
Permits are meant to protect you and your family, your investment, and the future of your home. With a project of any size, there simply isn’t any legal loophole that makes cutting corners worthwhile.
At Masterful Construction, we help homeowners achieve fabulous, high-end remodels in the right kind of way. So whether it is a kitchen upgrade, bathroom remodel, or entire home addition that you had in mind, we are the partner to help you through all the steps, including getting all permits.