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Do You Know When a Permit is Required?

By Brandi Hollerich

Real Estate Agent with Watson Realty Corp. SL3134026

November 24, 2007 04:10 AM

Do you know when a Permit is Required for Interior Remodels in your area? You might be surprised! Here is a list of Interior Renovations that require you to have a permit in Nassau County.

Permits are Required for Interior Remodels that:

Change the Occupancy Type, Change the Layout of the Exiting Path, Change the Restrooms of a Commercial Structure (Fixtures or Layout), Involve New Walls (Structural Load Bearing or Non Load Bearing) , The Addition of Fixtures that involves New Piping, The Addition of Electrical Fixtures that Involves New Wiring, Replacement of All Cabinets during a Kitchen Remodel, Replacement of More than One Exterior Door or Window, Installation or Replacement of a Suspended Ceiling Grid System, Replacement of Drywall on a Fire Rated Wall or Ceiling, Installation or Replacement of Marble or Ceramic Countertops or Tile.

Permits are Not Required for Interior Remodels that Involve:

Painting, Installation or Replacement of Carpet or Vinyl Tile, Replacement of Plumbing Fixtures that do not Include New Piping, Replacement of Electrical Fixtures that do not Require New Wiring, Replacement of Countertops that are not Marble or Tile, Replacement of a Single Exterior Door or Window.

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Michael (Mike) Elliott

Nottingham Real Estate Group - Hamilton, NJ

I thought it depended on the municipality, primarily??

Nov 24, 2007 04:12 AM

Terri Habecker

AIG, Allied, Fireman's Fund, CNA, Travelers,The Hartford, Pr - Dana Point, CA

Life Matters & So Does Your Insurance Co

I'm pleased to see a discussion regarding permits.

Buyers beware and should check to see if permits have been pulled on a property they may be buying, especially in this "foreclosure" market. Illegal bedrooms may have been added and when they go to remodel, there is a very good chance that they will have to be burdened with putting the bedroom count back to the original plans. The City's aren't often in favor of adding bedrooms because of the burden on the school districts and density of the community. That unit built over the garage may not be permitted and may have to be torn down. I've seen many instances in HUD foreclosures and the expense of tearing down un permitted rooms and additions can turn a possible investment into a clear NO. I've seen a lot of illegal remodels in my neighborhood and it amazes me that so many people don't mind selling without permits and unlicensed contractors.

Another good Idea is to check and see if the property is located in a historic district. Historic areas have even further restrictions and guidelines.

A background record and permit check and talking with the City regarding any purchase is a necessary part of the process. It's amazing what problems I've seen when people are looking at investment property's just on price alone. We had one investor who bought a property and it was already in REAP! The corrections to a property go with the property, not the seller.

Any unit count over 4 has a whole new list of restrictions. What may seem to be a minor repair could need a permit and a licensed Contractor. I wrote not long ago when a reader called me and asked if they could use un-licensed painters on their 6 unit rental property and after I verified with my underwriting department, they could be liable for anyone getting hurt working on their property without permits or licensed, their Liability insurance will not cover them and they could even be held responsible for Workers Comp!

I do wonder if an unhappy buyer can sue the if they end up purchasing a property without permits and find out later?

Nov 24, 2007 04:52 AM

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc - Hubert, NC

Hi Brandi,
People in general are pretty clueless regarding permits and when one is required. My advice to clients--if you are going to make any changes to your house, call the building inspections department and tell them you plans and see if you are required to get a permit. Better safe than sorrow.

Nov 25, 2007 12:31 PM

Do You Know When a Permit is Required?

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Brandi Hollerich

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