Why You Should Always Pull Permits for Renovations
As a real estate broker, I’ve seen plenty of homeowners try to skip the permitting process when renovating. Sure, it might seem like a hassle, but trust me—it’s a step you don’t want to ignore. Skipping permits can lead to some serious headaches down the road. Here’s why pulling permits is a must when upgrading your home.
1. It Keeps Everything Safe and Up to Code
Permits exist for a reason—they make sure your renovations meet safety and building codes. Whether you’re adding a new room, updating electrical work, or redoing your plumbing, permits ensure everything is done correctly. This helps avoid structural issues, electrical fires, leaks, or other problems that could put your family or future buyers at risk.
2. It Protects Your Investment
Your home is probably one of your biggest assets, and unpermitted work can actually hurt its value. If a buyer or appraiser finds out a renovation wasn’t properly permitted, it can lower your home’s value, trigger extra inspections, or even require you to redo the work—on your dime. I’ve seen unpermitted work, hold up a deal for an extra 45 days.
3. Avoid Fines and Legal Troubles
Many cities will slap you with fines if they discover unpermitted work. Worse yet, they might make you stop construction or even tear down what’s already built. That’s an expensive mistake that could have been avoided with a simple permit.
4. Makes Selling and Refinancing Easier
If you ever decide to sell, buyers and lenders will want to see permit records for any major renovations. Unpermitted work can delay the sale, complicate negotiations, or cause buyers to walk away. The same goes for refinancing—if an appraiser sees unpermitted work, it could lower your home’s value and affect loan approvals.
5. It Keeps Your Insurance Intact
Here’s something a lot of people don’t think about—unpermitted work can void your homeowner’s insurance. If something goes wrong because of that work, your insurance company might refuse to cover the damage. Even worse, if someone gets hurt because of it, you could be on the hook for their medical bills.
6. Gives You Peace of Mind
At the end of the day, pulling permits ensures your renovation is done safely, legally, and the right way. It’s a little extra time and effort, but it’s totally worth it when you consider the potential risks of skipping it.
Final Thoughts
I get it—dealing with permits can be annoying. But trust me, it’s way better than dealing with fines, insurance problems, or a drop in your home’s value. Always work with licensed contractors who know the permitting process, and check with your local building department before you start any big projects. A little effort upfront will save you a ton of stress late
