Despite the economic downturn last year due to the effects of COVID-19, 2021 is still the best time to build your dream house, or if you already have one, push through with the improvements you have always wanted to make to your home. If you wish to sell your property down the line, you will undoubtedly have buyers as Millennials, and many Gen Zs are already earning enough income to buy homes for themselves. Thus, it would be best to invest in a home that would fetch high value in the market.
With that said, you need to get the necessary building permits before you start your project. Many property owners make that crucial mistake of not securing permits and pushing through with their construction activities, thinking that it’s their property anyway.
This article will discuss why you need a permit and what would happen if you do not have one.
What is a building permit?
A building permit is a required document coming from city authorities that allows the construction or renovation of real estate. Every jurisdiction has different conditions for issuing permits and various building codes and fees identified with the permits.
The city’s Board of Permits and Inspections or Building and Zoning Board recognizes the homeowner permit once a contractor submits a proposal. You need to pay fees to get the permits. Later, they will visit the construction site to make sure it passes building codes. Hence, whether you’re building a metal carport or working on poured cement projects, make sure that you do your research first.
What happens if you start building without a permit?
We do not advise starting your construction efforts without a permit. We understand that Texas is a melting pot of different people from different cities and states, so a lot of people are not sure what would happen if they fail to get a permit.
If you have started your project without a permit, it is best to stop and contact your city authorities. Otherwise, you face paying a penalty that is 2.5 times the permit cost. Worse, you might be forced to shut down your project. That is why it is always a good idea to hold off on that home improvement until you get a building permit.
