What home renovation permits are required when updating your house before selling?
When it’s time to sell your house in Fort Worth, you’ll probably be deciding what renovations are needed and which of the projects need permits. Before getting to work on repairs and updates, it’s important to understand what work requires a permit. In Ft. Worth, government permits are required to do certain kinds of renovation work to a house.
Home renovation permits in Fort Worth
Getting permits for home updates and repairs is governed by the Fort Worth Development Services Department. Permits and the inspections afterward are required to make sure that the work is done with local building codes and important safety standards in mind. Not getting a necessary permit can result in fines, delays, and sometimes legal action.
What home renovations require a permit?
Understanding the permitting process for home renovations is crucial for a smooth and legal project. Let's explore which renovations require permits in Fort Worth.
- Structural changes: Adding or removing walls or making any changes to the house's structure requires a permit.
- Electrical work: Professionals should always be called in to do work with wiring, outlets, switches, and fixtures. Working with electricity can be dangerous and pose safety and fire hazards if not done correctly.
- Additions: Building an addition to your house or garage, or even a patio, typically requires permits. Things like zoning regulations and building height need to be considered.
- Window and door replacement: If you must alter the size and/or shape of door or window openings, a permit is required.
- HVAC changes: Permits are needed for replacing, upgrading, or installing HVAC systems to ensure energy efficiency standards, ventilation requirements, and safety regulations.
- Plumbing: Since incorrect plumbing can be a health and safety hazard, plumbing work generally requires a permit.
Do you need a permit to remodel your bathroom?
Remodeling a bathroom in Fort Worth requires permits since both plumbing and electrical work must be done. Sometimes, there are even structural changes. All of these are safety concerns, so permits are required.
Do you need a permit to remodel your kitchen?
Like bathrooms, kitchen renovations include plumbing and electrical work. There are sometimes structural changes and HVAC alterations as well. However, according to the Fort Worth Development Services Department website, “Permits are not required for ‘cosmetic’ remodels (floor or wall covering, cabinets, countertops, shelving, etc.) or plumbing fixture replacement.”
Can I remodel my Fort Worth house without a home renovation permit?
It might be tempting to remodel without the required permits, but it’s not advisable. Renovating without a permit may lead to:
- Legal issues: Fines, penalties, and other legal complications can result. When selling a house, unpermitted work may be discovered and, in many cases, must be demolished and redone with permits.
- Safety risks: Structural instability, plumbing leaks, and electrical hazards may arise from improper work.
- Insurance issues: Your insurance may be cancelled due to unpermitted work.
Work that doesn’t require a permit
There are some projects that don’t need permits, such as painting, straightforward flooring updates, and some plumbing fixture replacement. Many outdoor projects need a permit, including decks, pools, some fences, and outdoor structures. Please check with the Fort Worth Development Services Department if in doubt.
How to obtain a permit in Fort Worth
You can apply for a permit at the secure Fort Worth permit portal online. Per Fort Worth Business, this portal interface has transformed the permitting process: “The partnership takes Fort Worth one step closer to realizing its mission to streamline service delivery and promote economic development in all communities.”
Your contractor or subcontractor will generally apply for a permit, but it’s up to you to be certain. After the work is finished, a licensed government inspector will come to your house to assess the work.
Would you rather sell your house without the hassles of permits and renovations?
If you would rather sell your house “as is,” We Buy Ugly Houses® is a great option. We provide excellent customer service, as shown in our high 95%* customer satisfaction rating nationwide from sellers who responded to our post-sale survey, as well as excellent reviews. You can sell your Fort Worth house fast to us with a minimum of fuss and no repairs needed.
Just contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation at your house. One of our local, friendly Fort Worth property buyers will meet you, take a tour of your property, and answer your questions. We can sometimes give you an offer the same day. If you accept our offer, we can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks, or longer if you need more time.
If you’re selling your house and would rather skip the stress of permits, contractors, and long waits to renovate, contact us. We’d love to give you a fast offer and streamlined sale.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
