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.