Craven Academy: Real Estate

Prior to beginning any work you should check with the local building department. Some of the work may require permits and inspections by the municipality. If you do work without the required permits the job could be stopped and you may be required to remove work that has already been completed. Another problem could arise when you go to sell the house. Trying to cut corners could wind up costing a lot more down the road. While many people find permits and inspections to be an inconvenience, these requirements exist for good reason. The regulations insure that any work meets the local building codes and the inspections assure you that the work is being performed to acceptable standards.

Minor things and cosmetic fixes, such as paint and carpet, do not usually require a permit. Major renovations that include plumbing, electrical work or structural changes usually will require that you pull permits. Many people are tempted to do things without getting the necessary approvals in order to save time or money. This is something that can come back to bite you and end up costing a lot more in the long run. To be sure that the work is done properly and in accordance with the local building codes, the building department will inspect all work and the inspector will have to sign off on it. This can protect you if your contractors are not doing the proper job. If you do work without the proper permits, you may have difficulty when it is time to sell. If a title search finds that work was done without building department approval, you may need to get the permits prior to being able to sell. Getting a permit after the fact can result in fines or penalties and may require that any improper work to be corrected or removed. Trying to save a few dollars by circumventing the process can wind up costing you a lot more in the end.