If you’ve recently acquired a home with a room addition or are considering adding one, verifying that it’s properly permitted is essential. Permitted additions comply with local building codes, which help ensure they meet safety and structural standards. Unpermitted additions can lead to legal issues, unexpected repair costs, and complications if you decide to sell. If you’re considering adding a room to your home and need expert guidance on permits and construction, our Denver room addition services can help ensure your project is up to code. Here are some common methods to determine if a room addition is permitted:
- Check Local Building Codes and Zoning Regulations
- Contact Your Local Building Department
- Review Your Property’s Permit History
- Use Online Permit Databases or Property Records
- Examine Your Property Documents
- Ask the Previous Owner (if possible)
- Consult with a Real Estate Agent or Home Inspector
1. Check Local Building Codes and Zoning Regulations
Start by reviewing local building codes and zoning laws, as these outline the types of additions that typically require permits and any restrictions based on your property’s location, size, or structure type. Understanding these regulations can give you an initial sense of whether permits might have been necessary for the addition.
2. Contact Your Local Building Department
Reach out to your city or county’s building department or permit office. They can inform you of the permits required for room additions and check their records to see if a permit was issued for your specific property. Local officials can also guide you through the permitting process if you need further documentation.
3. Review Your Property’s Permit History
Many municipalities maintain records of all permits issued for a property. Requesting your property’s permit history can clarify if there’s a documented permit for the addition. This record can indicate when the addition was built and whether it met local requirements at that time.
4. Use Online Permit Databases or Property Records
Some local governments provide online databases or property records accessible to the public. Using your property’s address, you can search for permits issued for the home, including those for additions. This online search option is often quick and convenient for homeowners.
5. Examine Your Property Documents
Review your property documents, such as blueprints, past inspection reports, or closing paperwork, as they might contain information about permitted additions. If the addition is listed in these documents, it’s likely that permits were obtained during construction.
6. Ask the Previous Owner (if possible)
If you recently purchased the property, consider reaching out to the previous owner to ask if they obtained permits for the room addition. They may still have permit records or know details about the approval process. This direct information can be valuable, especially if the addition occurred within recent years.
7. Consult with a Real Estate Agent or Home Inspector
Real estate agents and home inspectors often have experience with local permitting processes and may be able to provide insights into whether an addition appears to be permitted. Based on their knowledge of construction and local standards, they might help identify any issues that would suggest an unpermitted addition.
What To Do If Your Room Addition Lacks a Permit
If you discover that your room addition does not have a permit, there are options to address this situation:
- Contact Your Local Building Department for Guidance
- Apply for a Retroactive Permit
- Keep Documentation for Future Property Sales
- Consider Removing the Addition (if Necessary)
1. Contact Your Local Building Department for Guidance
Reach out to the local building department for advice. They can explain the next steps, including whether a “permit after the fact” or retroactive permit is available.
2. Apply for a Retroactive Permit
Many jurisdictions allow homeowners to obtain a permit after construction. This typically requires an inspection to confirm the addition meets current codes. Be prepared for any upgrades needed to bring it up to standard.
3. Keep Documentation for Future Property Sales
If you obtain a retroactive permit, maintain all related documentation. This can reassure future buyers, as unpermitted work can deter buyers or create complications during a sale.
4. Consider Removing the Addition (if Necessary)
In some situations, removing the unpermitted addition may be the best solution, especially if meeting code requirements is costly or complex. This can help avoid potential legal or safety concerns down the line.
