Permits And Permit History

Many people don’t understand that the permitting process typically is a three-step process: (1) applying for, or “pulling,” the permits, (2) having the permitted work inspected (typically by appropriate building officials or code inspectors), and (3) having the permits closed (indicating that the work has been  approved and all appropriate fees have been paid).

Pulling the permits is relatively easy and inexpensive, and many jurisdictions allow one to pull simple permits on the Internet. Having the work inspected is where the main cost usually comes in because building officials, code inspectors, and other appropriate inspectors charge for their time, typically by the hour. When homeowners realize the expense that sometimes is involved in having their work approved and the permits closed, they will occasionally skip the final two steps of the permitting process. And that’s where the problems arise when someone else wants to buy the property that has open permits on it.
Visit the city or county building department and simply tell them that you want to know if there are any open permits on the property that you are buying.

Additional information on permits:
Home remodel sidetracked by building permit discovery
Home permit history comes back to haunt

If you have any questions about anything, simply contact me.

                 Thank you for using The Upscale Home Inspections Service.

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