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"I'm just putting up walls in the basement...I don't need a permit..."

By
Real Estate Agent with EXP Realty 414-525-0563 57026-90 Broker

 All the "Do it Yourselfers" out there in homeowners' land are sure they know...what does and does not need a permit...how well they know how to update this and change that...improve this and build their instant equity in the house thDIYat is their dream home.  Sometimes it IS about saving money...not hiring a

contractor....the proud moment when things "fit together" and the project is complete !

   What does or does not require a permit varies from one location tMan dreaming of projectso another and this post does not claim to be able to tell our loyal readers what those things might be in your particular area...from replacing a hot water heater or garbage disposal to installing a dishwasher...and then there is that coveted man cave that needs to be finished....the bonus room over the garage...the enclosed porch or attic conversion.

    "Just a wall..." can mean a code requirement for electrical outlets...not likely Mr. Handy is also a licensed electrician...and attempting to put in the required outlets..or overhead lighting can mean the danger of not only code violations...,but the potential of fire hazards.

      Be careful...be sure...be safe...Call the municipality you live in...learn what is required...Pull the permit...have the licenesed contractor do whatever work is required...use your creativity in safer ways....that paintbrush...adding a shelf, building a bar....And raise the bar for safety and making DIY doing it correctly !

    If you or anyone you know in southeastern Wisconsin is looking for Realtors who will "safely" list your home or help you find a new one...Call the Hansons, we are honored to be of service.

 

Posted by

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, CSS, e-Pro,ILHM, REDS


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Comments (11)

Jim West
Real Estate Technology Partners - Marysville, OH
Our Passion Is Helping 1st Time Home Sellers

I am anticipating lenders in the future to take a harder stance on finished basements if sellers are not able to show any permits for their construction projects and not loan the money or have the basement finsihing to be torn out. 

Mar 27, 2016 10:04 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Sally and David not pulling necessary permits can make for some unwanted issues when selling a house.

Mar 27, 2016 10:11 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Sally and David- besides a safety issue, not pulling permits can come back to bite you on the behind when you try to sell it. 

Mar 27, 2016 10:59 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson

We have had than happen many times Kathy Streib 

Mar 27, 2016 11:18 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   DIY without permits!

   If you fail to pull a legally required permit, it can result in fines, which can become a lien on the property.

   Selling the house may be difficult or impossible.

   Homeowners' Insurance coverage may be compromised or even void.

   Etc.

Mar 27, 2016 11:38 AM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Good morning Sally K. & David L. Hanson . I have seen so many DIY projects done by on Handy Andy's. They need to take the shows off a HGTV.

Mar 27, 2016 06:13 PM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Sally. We all run into the "no permit" issues all the time, so many just don't understand the problems it may cost in the future.

Mar 27, 2016 07:55 PM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Sally.  It can also vary from building inspector in the same town.  Drives us crazy.

Mar 27, 2016 08:36 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Hi Sally and David.  The easiest way to do it is to ask your building department.  The time you save by not getting a permit will cost you a lot more in the future.

Mar 27, 2016 08:42 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is very good reading for home owners. Many home improvements require permits.

Mar 27, 2016 09:23 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thank you for the good advice.Thanks for sharing Have a good day.

Mar 27, 2016 10:04 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc. is right, HGTV and the like have turned a bunch of IT guys and insurance salesmen into carpenters over night. I see so many bad DIY jobs out there: bad tile, crown molding, unsafe water heaters and electrical, etc.

I tell my clients, if it's involving any of the systems of the house or structural, use a licensed pro and get permits; it makes selling a home a nightmare later and living in a home potentially unsafe in the meantime if you don't.

Mar 28, 2016 10:30 PM