3.7.22

The Importance of Building Permits

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Learn why you should never skip required permits.

Before you start a home improvement project — whether it’s DIY or you hire it out — it’s important to know if you need a building permit. As a homeowner, discover what you need to know about following these important regulations.

Types of work that typically require permits

Building codes vary across municipalities. Cosmetic changes to your home — such as painting and installing new floor coverings — generally don’t require permits. However, if you live in a historic home, exterior cosmetic changes may require a permit.

For most homeowners, the following home improvements will likely require a building permit:

  • Altering a load-bearing wall
  • Roofing
  • Decks
  • Additions
  • Outbuildings, including sheds
  • Adding electrical outlets and switches
  • Adding plumbing for water, sewer or gas lines
  • Replacing windows and doors
  • Fences

Also, if your property has an easement or your project involves work in the right-of-way, it’s important to find out if there may be additional requirements.

Check with your building inspector first

Your community may require permits for work other than the types of home improvements listed above. Before starting a project, make sure you learn about local requirements.

If you’re doing the work yourself, contact the building inspector at your city or township office. In addition to issuing the permit, the building inspector will also let you know at what point the work will need to be inspected. Some projects require inspection at multiple stages.

If you hire a reputable licensed contractor, they’ll take care of getting the necessary permits. Avoid a contractor who wants to skip necessary permits — your safety and finances could suffer if work is done on your home without the proper permit.

The perils of skipping a permit

Doing work that requires a permit and neglecting to get one could have negative consequences later.

If local authorities learn that work was done without pulling a permit, they could issue a fine or order the work to be removed and redone.

If the work isn’t permitted and there are future problems such as a fire, homeowners’ insurance may not cover the damage.

Also, work done without a permit could cause a potential buyer to pass your home over.

Financing your home improvements

Projects that require permits often come with a big price. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) can give you access to the cash that lets you do the home improvements you want.

Consumers helps more than 2,000 members finance land, first and second homes, and home improvement projects each year. We’d love to help you with a mortgage or home equity line of credit; contact us online or call us at 800-991-2221.

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Consumers home loans

We’d love to help you with a mortgage or home equity line of credit.

Learn more.

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