When you bought your home, you may have been assuming that you can update and change whatever you like. That is true, but only to an extent. You may be considering a remodeling project because you’re contemplating putting your home on the market. However, when there are plenty of homes and properties to select from, you may want to make it attractive before you place it up for sale to avoid being in a situation where it might be prudent to settle for a lower selling price or offer.
These days, home owners are looking at the improvements available with a practical eye. Many are deciding that if they’re going to do anything, it’s going to add to their home’s aesthetic, function, and value all at the same time. If you have the budget, larger projects such as remodels may end up being a wise move. While they can raise the value of a home, they also do take more time and energy than smaller projects and you need to know when the permits may be required.
When it comes to building permits, they are necessary for a lot of big projects. Obtaining a permit may seem a little time consuming and even intimidating, especially if you have never done it before. While your patience may not be that high, keep in mind that haste does tend to create extra work and projects that end up costing more. If you want it done correctly, doing it the right way the first time is really saving you time in the end and helping you to create a more beautiful result.
Depending on where you live, you may also find that some areas charge a percentage of the costs of construction in order to issue the permit. So with this counting in, the more expensive a remodel or project is, the more it’s going to cost you. If a permit such as this is required and you don’t love the terms, you have the option to either accept them or not go through with the project that you had in mind.
In many cases this may be a boon as home owners are forced to get creative about which types of angles they would take to get certain results with their home. If you don’t want to go through inspections and extra fees and costs and spend the time getting a permit, you don’t have to. It’s all up to you, but to know for sure, you have to look up the regulations and general laws regarding this in your area.
Remember: it’s permit or no permit. You’re either moving ahead with projects that require permits because you have one or never starting at all. A failure to choose to get the required permits and moving ahead anyway could and most likely will result in complications as well as other consequences, such as a home’s sale being canceled.
For appraisals and home inspections as well, permits often need to be show and on file. A bank learning that projects were done remodeling without permits will refuse to make a loan to potential buyers. It’s important to have all major work done with permits acquired. Never move ahead assuming that it will be fine and you will get the permit later.
Building codes do vary according to cities. Federal and state standards do not guide permits; local governments issue them according to their ordinances. What was standard in one city may drastically change to the next. You need to check a city website to be sure and make sure any contractors take on lawful remodels. Assuming a contractor will be taking care of the permits is a bad idea– always know for sure and be involved.
You may need a permit for fences, changes to your home’s blueprint, cutting a space for new windows or doors and skylights, plumbing or electrical work, structural or ventilation changes, siding, water heater replacement, and more. Every town and city may be different when it comes to what they allow, though.
Remember that city or town ordinances will tell you, so check your local municipal or government’s home web page to see what they say. Be sure and apply to get a permit if you need one and then proceed with the rest with peace of mind.