Why Skipping the City Permit Can Be A Big Mistake For Utah Homeowners

The Importance of Permits in Home Remodeling

Here is why you should always go through the permit process when you make changes to your home. When the time comes to selling the home, remodels and changes made that don’t show there was a permit pulled can result in a big headache. 

In the state of Utah, even though you own your home, certain changes require approval through the city or county. This pertains to room additions, garage conversions, finishing a basement with an apartment, even building a really big deck. 

The Risks of Skipping Permits

There are also permits required when you alter the plumbing or electrical and if you make structural changes to the home. You can probably get away with making these changes without the city being aware of it at the time, but it becomes a problem when you sell it. 

For liability reasons, the home inspector has to check the work done on the home. For example, if there was not a permit pulled at the time the plumbing was changed, the inspector may have to remove the dry wall to inspect what was done. 

Read More: The Sun Is Setting on Grass with New Bans in Southern Utah

If you added an apartment downstairs when you finished the basement and there was no permit, it could be a problem when you want to sell the home. Suddenly what looked like an upgrade to your home becomes something that will cost you in the resell. 

For these reasons, if you want to make an addition to your home, check whether it will require a permit. Even though it seems like a hassle, it can be a much bigger problem down the road.