Do i need a permit to.... (house, buyers, inspector)

[dave ford]

Do i need a permit to add a plastic roof with wood posts on half of my existing low deck?(the deck was already there when i bought the house 12 yrs ago) thnx for the help

[RUNYYfan]

Check with your town's building inspector.

[alphamale]

Yes.

In NJ, you'll find that you need a permit for EVERYTHING that you do.

[PDD]

Originally Posted by dave ford

Do i need a permit to add a plastic roof with wood posts on half of my existing low deck?(the deck was already there when i bought the house 12 yrs ago) thnx for the help

NJ wants/requires a permit for everything.
When I lived in NJ I only took out permits for plumbing or Electrical. If it's outside work and out of site forgetaboutit.

[Docendo discimus]

Most likely yes, you will need a permit. These things are a PIA, but it's best to just play by the rules because if you don't, it will surely bite you in the A down the line.

Hopefully, the previous owner played by the rules too and had a final inspection done on the deck and the permit closed out. If not, you might have trouble getting the permit for the plastic roof and/or you will fail the final inspection and be required to make the updates on the deck that will bring it up to code, even though that has nothing to do with your plastic roof plans (and if the deck never did have its final inspection and permit closed 12 years ago, it most certainly is no longer up to code by 2011 standards).

If you decide to say to hell with it, and get the plastic roof without the bureaucratic BS, you will be fine (so long as you don't get caught), but only for as long as you keep this house. Down the line, if you decide to sell, prospective buyers (savvy ones, anyway) will probably demand proof that any and all permits on the house are in order and closed out. This is where permit dodging could bite you in the A, as previously mentioned. They will either ask you to make the updates on the deck (and there will be even MORE 10, 20 years from now) to bring it up to code, or they will ask for a discount on your asking price.