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Risks of Remodeling Without a Permit
Most cities require that homeowners obtain a building permit before making modifications to their residence. Some cities are more vigilant than others in enforcing permit laws and modifications requiring permits vary by city.
In order for the homeowner to receive a permit, the homeowner or his/her designee are required to file plans and pay fees to the city. In addition, the improvements are given a value. If they increase the value of the property, this may result in an increase in property taxes.If they increase the value of the property, this may result in an increase in property taxes.
This process can be time consuming in the long run and inconvenient in the short run. Inspections are often required, and this means having to schedule and then wait for inspectors to approve the work to be done. It is for this reason that some homeowners skip the permit process.
But if a permit is needed and you fail to get one, the city may discover this at some time in the future and getting a permit retroactively can frequently be significantly more expensive and much more problematic than having obtained the permit before work commenced. If or if the inspector is unable to determine if the work has been done properly, or work is not done in accordance with city procedures the home-owner could be required to open walls, or tear up floors, so that the inspection may take place.
In addition, by law, work not permitted where a permit was required must be disclosed to any prospective purchaser. This may result in the owner having to discount the sale price or perform costly or time-consuming repairs before title can be transferred.
For prospective buyers of a property, you can save yourself the future hassle and loss of money by researching whether all work on the premises has been done according to code and with the proper permits. These permits can be obtained by going directly to Building & Safety in the municipality in which the property is located or by hiring a "permit puller" who will research the permits for you.
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Amy
Meller
William Raveis Real Estate & Home Services
361 Boston Post Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
Phone: (978) 440-8686
Fax: (978) 759-0232
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