Finishing An Attic Without A Permit

When done without proper planning or adherence to local building codes it can actually reduce the value of your home or stall a sale.

Finishing an attic without a permit.

If the contractor you are using is willing to do it without a permit then i wouldn t trust the contractor. Depends on the state but a rule of thumb is that if you are not doing anything outside as in all the work is under the existing roof they can t do anything about it. While the legal requirements for permits depends on your jurisdiction and the nature of the renovation here are five pitfalls you may encounter if you try renovating without a permit. One way is by working within the home s existing footprint and converting the attic into living space.

You ll especially want windows if you plan to convert the attic into a guest room or spare bedroom in the future. Authorities usually require bedrooms to have at least one window for safety purposes. A finished attic without a permit. Finishing your attic can add space and utility and increase the value of your home as long as it s done properly.

With full home additions costing 75 000 minimum and usually far higher many homeowners search for creative ways to increase living space without overly decreasing their bank account. If your attic roof currently has no window plan to add a window or two if space permits. The question becomes what should you do as a buyer or seller when you find work that has been completed without permits. When a house is for sale and has a finished attic that didn t apply for a permit from the county how should you proceed with the sale.

Unpermitted work is a blanket term that applies to any modifications made to the home that should have been permitted but were not. My answer is always a resounding yes if it is required. Here are some must do tips to follow when finishing your attic. Things you ll need rolled insulation razor blade knife staple gun with staples electrical wire electrical outlets plywood or composite sub flooring drywall drywall tape drywall mud mud blade paint paint brushes outlet and switch plate covers caulking baseboards flooring wire fasteners for insulation.