Different municipalities have different rules and regulations, regarding when building permits, etc, may be required, etc. While many people comply with these rules, others often skip this step, either because they don’t realize/ know they are supposed to, don’t want to pay the permit fees, etc, fear doing so will raise their real estate taxes, or are confident they can get away with doing the work, without the perceived hassle, etc. This article will address 4 reasons it makes sense to get those permits before doing the work, and closing them out, once the work is completed. Whether one does the work through a licensed contractor, or does it himself (or with the assistance of a carpenter, handyman, etc), the same permits are required. Ask your town or village (whichever has the presiding Building Inspector’s Office), for an explanation of what is required in your locality.
1. Legal; inspected: Doing the work properly assures it is done legally, and properly. Because the work must be performed to certain specifications, requirements, limitations. rules and guidelines, and the final result (as well as often, various stages), must be inspected, there is enhanced safety and compliance!
2. When you go to sell: When a homeowner decides to sell his home, IECC if there is work, which was done without a permit, this might often become a stumbling block, or delay the transfer of the property. Even if you got permits, unless they were closed out, properly, there might be issues! One omission might open up the proverbial, Pandora’s Box!
3. Things done according to code: Something which might appear simple and easy, often is not as automatic as people believe. One of these is outside fences, where there are often size, style and type – requirements, as well as location limitations. Obviously, violations regarding electric, HVAC, plumbing, etc, may be far more dangerous and challenging corrections. Doesn’t it make sense to put safety first, as well as making sense from a longer – term economic, financial and legal perspective? While some municipalities impose greater restrictions than others, most codes have been established to assure maximum safety, etc.
4. Usually more reputable contractors: Larger, licensed contractors, will generally be certain to comply with codes, permits, rules and regulations. These will often offer certain types of guarantees, etc. While certain jobs generally do not require licensed contractors of permits, comply with the rule and intent of the law! Usually, internal painting, kitchen cabinets (not including electric), minor handyman – type of repairs, do not need to be reported, but one should check to be certain!
It might seem, at the time, to be easier and less expensive, to take some shortcuts, when it comes to repairs and/ or renovations. Be certain, you are not behaving in a penny – wise, and pound – foolish, manner!