Why it’s Important to Obtain Remodeling Permits

1/9/2015

Category: General

If you’ve completed any remodeling projects on your Maryland property, you might know that permits are required for almost everything. You might also know that obtaining a permit costs money and time—the two things you can’t afford to waste during a major home renovation. That’s why some homeowners (and some shady contractors) choose to skip this whole permit thing and go ahead with the construction. If this thought ever crossed your mind, you should understand why building permits are so important.

Permits Are Made to Protect You

In Maryland, something as simple as building a fence or finishing your basement requires a permit. Permits are necessary for most types of structural changes to the home or property, especially when plumbing or electricity is involved. If you are adding things that weren’t there before (like a deck or a patio), moving things, or replacing some of the original structure, you need a permit. Above all, permits ensure that the renovation is done according to the current building standards and doesn’t pose any risk to your health or safety. They might be time-consuming and seem like an unnecessary step, but permits are there to protect your well-being and your investment.

How Permits Work

Not every renovation will require a permit, so check with your local municipality to see if you need one. If you do, you will need to apply for a permit with the permit processing department of your local County Office. At some point you will have to submit the plans for your renovation to be approved by the county. Don’t worry, if you hired a Maryland deck building contractor, they will likely do all the permit paperwork for you and ensure its accuracy and timeliness.

Depending on the scope of the project, some permits may be issued the same day, while others will take longer. If you have a tight deadline, it’s important to apply for permits early to account for possible delays. Once you obtain the permit, your contractor can get started with the construction. After everything is done, a county inspector will come out to ensure all building standards were met.

Protect Your Property

Knowingly or unknowingly, many homeowners fail to obtain necessary permits for their projects. But even if you are lucky and your renovation doesn’t pose any safety risks, you could be lowering the value of your property and making it hard to sell in the future. That unpermitted bedroom addition or a finished basement offer great extra space right now, but when the time comes to sell, they won’t count toward your home’s total square footage. If you choose to invest all this money into a renovation, make sure you will get a return on your investment in the form of increased home value.

Another issue with unpermitted renovations is that home buyers tend to avoid such homes. The responsibility for building permits is typically on the current owner. This means if someone is to buy your home as is, they will be stuck fixing your mess, which may involve expensive demolition and rebuilding. That’s one of those scenarios most buyers don’t want to get involved in, so they pass.

Find the Right Contractor

Now that you understand the importance of building permits, make sure you hire a Maryland remodeling contractor who is on the same page. If your contractor suggests skipping the permit process to save time, they are probably used to cutting corners and afraid their work won’t pass the inspection. By obtaining a permit, you automatically get a second opinion from the inspector in regard to the quality of the job performed. At Archway Remodeling, the renovations we perform always pass inspections and our clients are happy with the end result.

Contact us today to discuss how we can be of assistance in your next remodeling project.