Fairfax County Basement Renovation Permit (house, water heater, construction)

[Baike]

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/...isrequired.htm

I read it over and over again, and am still not clear if I need permit.

Here is the situation: I bought the house two years ago, it is old house, but when I look at tax record today, there is no information about basement finished/unfinished square feet.

The attached screenshot is from Tax Record. Or where should I get the related information showing finished square feet?

My big concern is that: if I renovation the basement, will it cause trouble for me to sell the house in a few years? I mean what if they say "I did not report the basement renovation from unfinished to finished"?

Currently, basement is divided into two parts: one part is empty room, and the other part is for HVAC/Water heater/Dryer/Washer/etc. Clearly the part for HVAC/Water heater/Dryer/Washer/etc is not finished (no drywall ceiling); but I am not sure if the other part is already considered finished or not (old dark wood panel wall, concrete floor/old drop ceiling).

I just want to upgrade basement to modern status: drywall/vinyl flooring, new window, etc.

Anyone familiar with Fairfax policy?

Thanks.

[lovnova]

Hard to tell without more details of the proposed work. If you are not sure call the county permits department and ask them. Yes, it could be a problem when you go to sell.

[Baike]

Originally Posted by lovnova

Hard to tell without more details of the proposed work. If you are not sure call the county permits department and ask them. Yes, it could be a problem when you go to sell.

Is there a way to pull historical permits related to the house?

[Ffxdata]

Yes, call them and ask. The permits would be on file.

[BadMom]

You need to get a permit for any major renovation to a basement, bathroom, kitchen, etc. It does not matter if you are doing it yourself or having a contractor perform the work. A renovation is considered major if it materially alters the appearance of the room being renovated. The permit ensures all work is done according to county code, and an inspector will sign off on the work when completed. If you go to sell the house and a permit was not pulled, you may be responsible for bring the work in the basement up to code if a permit was not pulled!