If you are planning to or are in the process of remodeling your home, then there’s a good chance that you’ve had to think about permits. Permits can seem tricky on the surface, but they are a necessary part of any remodeling project where you are making larger changes to the structure of your home or to important systems like plumbing or electrical. They are designed to keep the construction site safe and to make sure that the work is done to last.
However, it’s often wondered what would happen if a homeowner were to simply skip all of the permitting and just get started building. It might seem at first like a perfect solution to avoiding red tape that can hold your remodel back, but in reality, it can give you even more of a headache that brings additional costs and further derails your renovation. Find out more about all that can happen if you don’t get permits for your home remodel.
Ignoring Home Remodeling Permits Can Lead To Issues When Selling Your Home
One of the biggest issues with remodeling without permits is that it can come back to bite you when you go to sell your home. If the work was not permitted or inspected, buyers may question the quality of work and whether or not they should buy from you. Even if the work was done well, the absence of permits can make the project feel uncertain.
In some cases buyers will request additional inspections prior to closing. They may also ask you to obtain retroactive permits, make corrections, or reduce the sale price. A shortcut taken during renovation may become a major negotiating point when it comes time to sell, and it could make you lose out on thousands of dollars, or even the entire sale.
Fines And Stop Work Orders Can Happen When Remodels Happen Without Permits
Skipping permits can also create problems while the project is still going on. If your local municipality finds out work is being done without the proper permits, they may issue fines or stop the project until everything is reviewed.
A stop-work order can be especially aggravating as it halts the renovation in its tracks. The dream kitchen or new bedroom that you were hoping for can get put weeks or even months off track. And because contractors usually have jobs lined up for weeks, it often makes the whole construction process take longer than if you would have gotten the permits to start.
Not Getting Permits For Home Renovations Can Lead To Corrections And Demolition
Another major risk with unpermitted work is that the work may have to be redone or even removed. If the work is hidden and not able to be inspected, your municipality may require that portions of the project be reopened.
If electrical work was done behind drywall without inspection, then that drywall may have to be removed to expose the wiring. If the plumbing has been improperly installed, it may have to be replaced before the project can move forward. Structural work may be even more serious because it affects the safety and stability of the home.
This is where you can get very quickly into large expenses by skipping permits. What appears to be a simple way to save money at the beginning can end up as paying twice for the same job. You may have to pay to have the finished materials removed, correct the problem, and then refinish the entire space.
Insurance Claims Can Be Denied When Renovations Are Done Without Permits
Unpermitted work can also cause issues with your homeowners insurance. If the damage was caused by work that was not approved or inspected, then your insurance company may deny the claim, believing that the work was faulty.
It’s not always this serious, but it can pose a risk that most homeowners would rather avoid. Permits can be stressful at times, but it’s much better than finding out your insurance company may not pay the bill.
Not Having Proper Home Remodeling Permits Could Create Liability Concerns
Permits are designed to protect the people living in the home and the people working on the project. When work is inspected, there is an additional layer of accountability to ensure the renovation is being done safely.
Homeowners may also face liability concerns if an injury results from unpermitted work. That can happen if a deck is poorly constructed or stairs are falling apart. Even if you didn’t do the work yourself, because it happened at your home, you could be found liable, potentially on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in damages.
How Do You Handle Home Rennovations With The Right Permits?
The best way to avoid these problems is to discuss permits before you begin your renovation. Permit requirements in Pennsylvania can vary depending on your municipality and the work being done. Homeowners should contact their local township, borough, or city before starting to determine what is needed for their project. Learn more on our other article about permits and home remodeling.
MRD Lumber can also give you the confidence to go forward. We have many local contractor partners throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania who know how to get the job done right and understand local remodeling needs.
If you have a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, deck build, addition, or other home improvement project in mind, MRD Lumber can help you source the materials you need and connect you with reliable local contractors. We have kitchen remodeling materials, lumber, plywood, custom millwork, windows & doors, and many more home remodeling products to get you the project of your dreams.
Skipping permits may seem like an easy way to save time, but it can create way bigger problems later. Contact MRD Lumber today to get started on your home renovation the right way.