Should I Apply for Permits when Renovating my home?

About Applying for Permits Should I apply for Permits when renovating or adding additions to my home, finishing my basement or adding a deck, pool, shed, garage or fence? The answer to this question is a resounding"YES, by all means apply for the Permits when necessary and required. Will my real estate assessment/ taxes increase? Depending on the work that is being done in your home, you're real estate taxes may be impacted significantly, only slightly or not all. Always contact your townships building department and explain what you are planning to do and they will advise you, as to exactly what is required and what the application process is and if a permit is necessary at all. The local township tax assessor's office can provide a good estimate of what additional real estate taxes would be imposed and how much your assessment would increase, based on your addition or renovation. The Permit Process The township will have you or your licensed contractor file for a permit, which will be placed in a front window during the course of the work. They will ask you to submit a detailed drawing and plan of the work you will be doing and provide a packet of information describing the necessary building, sheathing, excavation, electrical, plumbing, fire protection code specifications, etc. that need to be adhered to and will detail all the necessary inspections that need to be performed by township officials. Note - sometimes it will be required that the drawing will need to be drafted by a licensed architect or licensed engineer. Once they have reviewed the plan they will issue the permit. They will schedule the township officials to come and inspect the job in its various phases of construction. In this way, once your job is completed you can rest assured that your completed project will not subject your home and family to any kind of safety risks or fire hazards. In addition, fines may be levied by the township, if the proper construction permits have not been obtained. Permits & Selling Your Home In addition, when you want to sell your residence it is likely that the buyer and their attorney will request the permits. If you do not have them, they may likely ask you to obtain them. The buyer will want to buy your home with the confidence that all the necessary codes were adhered to during your renovation/addition project. The buyer may also to decline to make an offer and purchase your home if the necessary permits have not been obtained. Applying and completing all work with the necessary and required permits,at the time of renovation/addition, will save you a lot of time and unnecessary stress when you want to sell your home. In summary, for the safety and comfort for your home and family and a smooth real estate transaction, always check with township officials before beginning work in your home and when necessary obtain the required permits.