Fixing or Remodeling - Permits Could be Important
January 13, 2009
I read an article in the newspaper this morning that d0-it-your-selfers are coming back. First off, I never knew that they went away. However, it seems that home supply stores are seeing an increase in shoppers of home improvement items.
If you are one of the folks who plans to do some fixing or remodeling or even adding some space to your property, one of your first stops should be your local building and safety department, often called "Community Development" or, as in Redlands, "Quality of Life". As a real estate agent, I have learned that work done without the proper permit can impact the sale of a property. Appraisers will make note of unpermitted work and often the "after-built" permit will be required. For a seller, this can delay a closing and/or be expensive if work violated building codes.
Generally speaking, building permits are required for any work that could create a safety issue. If a patio roof could fall, someone could be hurt. If the electrical was not properly installed, someone could be hurt. Knowing the building codes is important for every potential project.
A licensed contractor is not required to obtain a building permit. You can obtain a permit to do work on your own home, generally with the limitation that you are not intending to sell in the next six months. In any event, in California the disclosure laws require the seller to disclose all additions and alterations and whether they were done with or without a permit..
The information required to obtain a permit will vary with the type of project you are proposing.
Sometimes all that is needed is the make and model number of what is being installed. If you are moving walls or adding space, you will need a set of drawings - sometimes simple, sometimes completed by a professional.
Remember, a wise first step is to consult the governmental entity that will issue a permit. They probably have written materials and will be ready to answer your questions.
I read an article in the newspaper this morning that d0-it-your-selfers are coming back. First off, I never knew that they went away. However, it seems that home supply stores are seeing an increase in shoppers of home improvement items.
If you are one of the folks who plans to do some fixing or remodeling or even adding some space to your property, one of your first stops should be your local building and safety department, often called "Community Development" or, as in Redlands, "Quality of Life". As a real estate agent, I have learned that work done without the proper permit can impact the sale of a property. Appraisers will make note of unpermitted work and often the "after-built" permit will be required. For a seller, this can delay a closing and/or be expensive if work violated building codes.
Generally speaking, building permits are required for any work that could create a safety issue. If a patio roof could fall, someone could be hurt. If the electrical was not properly installed, someone could be hurt. Knowing the building codes is important for every potential project.
A licensed contractor is not required to obtain a building permit. You can obtain a permit to do work on your own home, generally with the limitation that you are not intending to sell in the next six months. In any event, in California the disclosure laws require the seller to disclose all additions and alterations and whether they were done with or without a permit..
The information required to obtain a permit will vary with the type of project you are proposing.
Sometimes all that is needed is the make and model number of what is being installed. If you are moving walls or adding space, you will need a set of drawings - sometimes simple, sometimes completed by a professional.
Remember, a wise first step is to consult the governmental entity that will issue a permit. They probably have written materials and will be ready to answer your questions.
posted by shirley harry at 7:47 AM
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