One of the fun parts of being an agent is seeing the amazing projects homeowners have completed. (Who doesn’t love a good Before and After?) Whether I am going to a house for a Super Bowl party, just to say hello, or to list the property, owners are always excited to show off their new or renovated spaces. As an agent, I always hold my breath after asking the inevitable question: “Did you get a permit?”
I know the answer immediately based on the homeowner’s reaction (verbal or otherwise). Thankfully, most of the time lately, the answer has been “Yes.”
Permits are REQUIRED when you:
- Build Your Own Home
- Add a Room or Build a Deck
- Add or Change Interior Walls
- Add or Alter Plumbing, Mechanical, or Electrical Systems
When homeowners don’t get a permit, the most common reason is to avoid the tax assessor, who would then know updates have been made. Guess what? It costs homeowner’s a LOT more to permit space AFTER the renovations have been completed. Take the risk of paying more in taxes!
When you sell your home in NC, a State of North Carolina Residential Property and Owner’s Association Disclosure is required for almost all transactions. Question #23 asks: “Are there any structural additions or other structural or mechanical changes to the dwelling to be conveyed with the property?” If you have made changes, your answer should be “Yes.”
Home inspectors note when spaces, especially mechanical changes, have not been permitted. Don’t risk the integrity of your home (or a future home sale) to save a few dollars now.
Wash your hands. And ALWAYS get a permit!
Cheers.
Tori