[Newtohartfordct]

I have lived in CT nearly 9 years, but only became a resident in 2016. Never owned a home before. If I planned to finish a partial basement to full and remodel a very dated kitchen would my taxes increase? I know we would need permits to do these things, but who applies for them? Me or a contractor?

also do the tax accessors come into your home to look at the updates?

I was previously an Indiana resident and unless an owner is messing with plumbing, electrical etc. permits aren’t necessary.

[robr2]

Permits are required: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Common-Ele...tacts/Building

You or your contractor applies for the permit depending on who is doing the work.

CT follows ICC 2012: https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/Office-of-...de/Regulations

Your assessed value will be adjusted to reflect the improvements to the property.

The assessor may come to your door but you don't have to let them in. They will then estimate the value of the house from a exterior visual inspection ie 4 vent stacks coming out of the roof, then they can presume you have 4 bathrooms.

[Newtohartfordct]

Originally Posted by robr2

Permits are required: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP/Common-Ele...tacts/Building

You or your contractor applies for the permit depending on who is doing the work.

CT follows ICC 2012: https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/Office-of-...de/Regulations

Your assessed value will be adjusted to reflect the improvements to the property.

The assessor may come to your door but you don't have to let them in. They will then estimate the value of the house from a exterior visual inspection ie 4 vent stacks coming out of the roof, then they can presume you have 4 bathrooms.

So it is best to let them in lol? My taxes will go up. Thanks.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Newtohartfordct

So it is best to let them in lol? My taxes will go up. Thanks.

It is best to get a permit and have the town inspect the improvements to sign off on them. When you go to sell the house, any undocumented improvements will come out and will likely be reflected in a lower purchase price. I have seen deals which failed because of unpermitted improvements. Buyers can walk away. A kitchen remodel that does not add square footage will likely not increase your taxes. A basement remodel may if it adds square footage to the home. Still it is worth the little it adds to taxes in order to add value at the time of sale. Jay

[East of the River]

Check with your town on what needs permitting. Usually anything electrical or plumbing or structural will require it. In years past home inspectors seemed to rarely check and confirm permits, in the last 5-10 years it has been more common for them to do so which as mentioned can cause resale issues. (my guess is they were always supposed to do it but now the records are easier to get without spending half a day at town hall.)
I know very few people who have seen dramatic valuation changes without an actual addition. Personally I don't think an appraiser has even asked to come in my house, or we weren't home when it happened. My appraisal seems to go up and down at random with each appraisal.

Also note many contractors kind of stretch the rules here. I know many who do not pull permits on small jobs even if they should. So if you want to make sure your on the up and up have it in writing who is responsible for the permits.

[allanny13]

In my town you aren't taxed on a finished basement if it is <50% of the square footage of your first floor- so check with your town hall.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by allanny13

In my town you aren't taxed on a finished basement if it is <50% of the square footage of your first floor- so check with your town hall.

I had heard this too but was not sure other towns did that too. I agree the OP needs to talk to the building department and the tax assessor. Jay

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by JayCT

I have seen deals which failed because of unpermitted improvements. Buyers can walk away.

Happened to a friend of mine.. Found a buyer who made an offer but after their inspector walked through the buyer said seller needed to obtain a permit for the basement that was finished and move the electrical panel which was near the oil tank. My friend didn't want to credit them for it or go through obtaining a permit..Buyer backed out

2 weeks go by, another buyer makes an offer and neither they nor their inspector said anything about the basement. Home closed. All done.


So the truth in all this is..... While your deal may fail because of unpermitted improvements, you can find buyers who don't care...especially in a good market where there are many potential buyers around.

Originally Posted by Newtohartfordct

If I planned to finish a partial basement to full and remodel a very dated kitchen would my taxes increase? I know we would need permits to do these things, but who applies for them? Me or a contractor?

Taxes shouldn't increase (much) for just updates and you dont need a permit for kitchen remodel unless you are changing the wall structure of the inside or touching plumbing or electric. Basement is different on the other hand. You need a permit. Taxes would go up if you're adding a bathroom down there, ect. I assume go up if its part of living area down there too. This is why people don't apply for it. CT needs to figure out why Indiana is better. (lol) Contractor usually gets the permit and you pay for it..

[parentologist]

You do need to permit the work. Town could force you to rip it all out if done unpermitted. And yes your assessment will increase.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Cambium

Happened to a friend of mine.. Found a buyer who made an offer but after their inspector walked through the buyer said seller needed to obtain a permit for the basement that was finished and move the electrical panel which was near the oil tank. My friend didn't want to credit them for it or go through obtaining a permit..Buyer backed out

2 weeks go by, another buyer makes an offer and neither they nor their inspector said anything about the basement. Home closed. All done.


So the truth in all this is..... While your deal may fail because of unpermitted improvements, you can find buyers who don't care...especially in a good market where there are many potential buyers around.





Taxes shouldn't increase (much) for just updates and you dont need a permit for kitchen remodel unless you are changing the wall structure of the inside or touching plumbing or electric. Basement is different on the other hand. You need a permit. Taxes would go up if you're adding a bathroom down there, ect. I assume go up if its part of living area down there too. This is why people don't apply for it. CT needs to figure out why Indiana is better. (lol) Contractor usually gets the permit and you pay for it..

Why do you say Indiana is better? Jay