How to Get a Building Permit After Work Has Been Completed.
Getting a permit after work completion in Massachusetts can be challenging but necessary. Whether you’ve finished a renovation or added a new structure, you may realize that permits are required.
My guide will walk you through the steps to get the proper permits for work already done and help you avoid costly fines or legal issues.
I will provide the following helpful guidance and steps to ensure you get through the permitting process:
- Contact your local building department to determine what permits are necessary.
- Provide detailed project information, including plans, square footage, and materials.
- Prepare for inspections, and be ready to open walls or structures to ensure code compliance.
- Understand the risk of fines and penalties for unpermitted work, which can escalate over time.
- Consider legal recourse if a contractor fails to pull the permits, especially if it’s their responsibility.
One of the more prominent issues in real estate sales is homeowners who have completed significant projects without proper permits. As a Realtor who has been practicing real estate for nearly forty years, a finished basement is one of the most common unpermitted projects. I see many owners who skip the permitting process. Unfortunately, as you may be finding out, this can come back to bite you when selling your home.
When filling out the seller’s disclosure form in Massachusetts there is a question that asks if you did work that required a permit. Lying on the form could open yourself up to a lawsuit. A savvy buyer’s agent will also confirm that permits have been pulled by visiting the local building department.
I have guided many clients on how to get through selling their property when required permits have not been pulled.
Let’s examine what you must do to ensure your home sale doesn’t fall through due to permitting issues.
How to Get a Building…