If you’re planning to buy a home, DIY projects may be in your future. Or, if you’re getting ready to sell your property, you may be considering taking on some upgrades and repairs on your own, before listing it. However, just because you’re not hiring a contractor to do the work, it doesn’t mean you don’t need building permits. In fact, permits are required in most municipalities for many kinds of repair, improvement, construction, modification or demolition work on a house.
While it may seem costly and time intensive, the permitting process and subsequent inspections help protect you and your family from safety risks like structural failures, fire hazards caused by electrical and heating systems, and electrical shock. In addition, when you’re ready to sell, getting the appropriate permits can help you:
- Save money and make your home more marketable: The work you have done will be compliant with the latest building codes, and energy and water conservation standards.
- Keep the transaction on track: In many states, home sellers must disclose repairs or additions to potential buyers. If they were done without a permit, the buyer may demand that the seller get the work permitted and inspected by the city before buying the home, or they may ask for a reduction in the sale price.
- Simplify the process: In some cases, cities can force you to undo the work (or parts of it) to confirm that the underlying components were constructed safely. It’s easy to see how this could complicate a home sale.
Plus, a legally permitted project provides peace of mind, ensuring that if there are problems stemming from the work that was done, insurance claims should be covered.
