Finished basement require Fairfax County permit (2013, insurance, first time home buyer)

[usa2013]

I need help on basement permit process. I bought a house last week which has basement. When the house constructed 8 yrs ago, builder gave standard basement with floor and walkout door but previous owner added 3 rooms and full bath room in the basement without permit.I contacted fairfax county to get permit, they asked me to submit application and two sets of 11X17 drawing sheets. since the rooms already built by previous owner, how to get drawing sheets ?

Any one in the same situation ?

[homebeyer2013]

Fire!, Aim!, Ready!

[niuniu]

You bought it without a permit, now the problem is yours.
to a lot of people though, there is no rushing need to apply for a permit.

[FCNova]

I would've left it alone honestly, unless you planned to do more renovations down there. You may have opened up a can of worms unnecessarily.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by usa2013

how to get drawing sheets ?

You will need to hire an architect to create the drawings.

[usa2013]

I am first time home buyer, didn't know before I bought. I have read some where, in case of fire insurance coverage will be zero.Instead of that big loss want to put some money to get permits. Not sure any one went to Fairfax county for permit after finishing.

[South Jersey Styx]

Ask them what kind of drawing they need. You may be able to do a hand drawing with the measurements ( may not need anything fancy).

Now that you have informed them about extra BRs and a bath, won't they raise your taxes?

[Yankeesfan]

Finished Basements*- Fairfax County, Virginia

[finalmove]

Originally Posted by usa2013

I am first time home buyer, didn't know before I bought. I have read some where, in case of fire insurance coverage will be zero.Instead of that big loss want to put some money to get permits. Not sure any one went to Fairfax county for permit after finishing.

Do you suspect poor workmanship? Didn't you have a home inspection? Have you applied for a permit or submitted any forms? If not, you should forget this conversation and enjoy being a homeowner.
Millions of basements are finished, and millions of kitchens are updated without involving local government.
Just my opinion.

[sullyguy]

A permit will be the least of your worries (should be relatively easy to get - drawings only have to be scaled, not professional). After the permit, your basement will need to be inspected and passed. Since the electric has been installed AND covered up, it wouldn't be beyond belief for the inspector to require the removal of the wallboards. In addition, all basements in Fairfax (minimally) have to have usable "egresses" to the outside now. The link provided above discusses those. If your basement doesn't have that (or those) you will have to install them.

Next time you buy a house, make sure it has followed code in all construction - others have mentioned the need to have the house professionally inspected (assuming it is NOT new construction).