Unpermitted Remodeling Work

[Botev1912]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

Yes. This is one way local authorities can ensure that work is done up to code.

Right because all contractors do a "great" job. Nothing to do with quality.

[KillerWabbit]

Originally Posted by rupp-certified

That's what inspections are for. Permits do nothing but slow down construction, making it impossible for supply to keep up with demand, and leading to skyrocketing housing costs.

Permits ensure that the builder has a clear plan of execution before they start building, and take into consideration structural.loads. They also ensure the builder is respecting property lines, right of ways, etc.

In other words, a permit with plan review ensures that the builder does it right the first time and doesn't have to teardown and redo the work because the builder rushed the job and waited until an after the fact inspection to find out their initial plan was faulty.

Demolition and rework slows down construction, drives up costs, and makes it impossible to keep up with demand far more than permits.

[jertheber]

Originally Posted by KillerWabbit

Permits ensure that the builder has a clear plan of execution before they start building, and take into consideration structural.loads. They also ensure the builder is respecting property lines, right of ways, etc.

In other words, a permit with plan review ensures that the builder does it right the first time and doesn't have to teardown and redo the work because the builder rushed the job and waited until an after the fact inspection to find out their initial plan was faulty.

Demolition and rework slows down construction, drives up costs, and makes it impossible to keep up with demand far more than permits.

I'd agree that the role of permitting has been the only real deterrent to the rise of shady contractors. I had a gas fireplace added to an old wood burning fireplace, the contractor wasn't pleased with the notion of "someone looking over his shoulder." Well, that person who did look over his work found a couple of mistakes in the methods used to provide an emergency shut off to the gas feed.

Also, the wiring for the fan wasn't up to code so that became a replacement issue before the thing could be used. In both discoveries, I wouldn't have noticed the incorrect workmanship so yes, I'm appreciative of the permit/inspection process that is the base model for most building projects. Two sets of eyes--or more, are always better than a single view of workmanship, mistakes are just part of the daily list of what can go wrong and most people would rather have that scenario to deal with as opposed to the possibility of someone's mistakes resulting in catastrophic damage.

[Hemlock140]

There are two potential problems in the future:

1. Just as you are asking questions now, so will the buyers when you go to sell, and many will decline due to the unpermitted work. Others may bid but be unable to get a loan when their lender sees the appraisal.

2. Should you ever decide to do some work requiring a permit, all of the unpermitted work will have to be brought up to code and may have to be reversed. Permits are required for common things like new furnace, water heater, larger window, or deck over a certain height.

The assessor is not likely to discover an unpermitted job inside, but they have been known to get anonymous tips from a disgruntled neighbor. Generally, a lender will still do a mortgage with a good down payment, but if PMI is required, they will most likely not. We ran into that once when selling a house with an unpermitted garage conversion.

[Hebrews12]

Originally Posted by Botev1912

You need a permit to renovate your own house?

In some cases you may need a permit to cut down a tree on your own lot.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by Hebrews12

In some cases you may need a permit to cut down a tree on your own lot.

In all cases, AFAIK, within Seattle city limits.

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

In all cases, AFAIK, within Seattle city limits.

Do storms need a permit to knock down your tree?

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by WRM20

Do storms need a permit to knock down your tree?

Storms are an "act of God". God gets a pass.