Should I get a permit?

Question

I am adding value to my primary residence by adding a shower to a half bath and adding interior square footage by insulating the laundry room portion of the garage. I'm doing the majority of the work myself and only contracting out the rough in plumbing. Originally I had planned to get the required permits from the city, but I had a contractor that I work with recommend to not go through the time, money, and headache of the permitting process since it's my primary residence and I can most likely "get away" with it. I plan to refinance this property in a year and a half and turn it into a long-term rental, so I am weighing the short-term benefit advice from this contractor with the risk of getting pegged for doing work without a permit. I live in a smaller and older suburb of Fort Worth where I am less likely to get tracked down (I see evidence of work on properties all around me that are clearly not permitted or up to code), but also know that the specs on the house will change with the appraisal district once I get the property refinanced. Interested in thoughts from those more experienced than I am. I want to do things the right way, but feel the pressure of a tight budget that will get drained considerably by the permit fee and multiple inspection fees.

Preston Dean · Answer

@Hannah Karlovich

In my opinion,

Requiring permits for things in Fort Worth is like saying - DON'T SPEED OR YOU'LL GET A TICKET

Do people speed and not get tickets? Yes all the time

Do people do work on their primary or rental without pulling permits? Yes all the time

But obviously there are the few outliers that get speeding tickets or projects that ask for permits.

My suggestion is if you don't go through the hoops to get a permit just keep the front of your house clean and don't do projects in your front yard or throw out large bulk items that are clear indicators of a rehab.

Utilize Fort Worth's bulk trash pick up days and get rid of everything at once.

I have a rental in Fort Worth off Hulen & 30. I started the process to get permits for the rehab but it was absurd. I could only utilize specific contractors to do the work & had to have inspections periodically.

We didn't do anything major just a bathroom & kitchen remodel.

Hope that helps!

Account Closed · Answer

I'd just go for the permit if your changes comply with code. Better safe than sorry.

Changing the number of baths and square footage is going to be an easy thing to spot when it doesn't match what's recorded at the appraisal district. You risk making a headache for yourself if you ever want to sell this house in the future, if an upset tenant wants to report you to the city, or any number of other scenarios. Why invite the risk?

I'd also be fairly skeptical of a contractor recommending you cut corners like this. What are they going to try to get away with when it comes to the expectations you set for a project?

William Hutch · Answer

I’d get the permit and build it to code. No need to skip the step unless you plan on dying in the house. The speeding analogy is good. Just because someone else does it and doesn’t get caught doesn’t mean you should do it. And if there is an issue down the line with a renter you might void your insurance on the house. Who knows what it could lead too.

David Avery · Answer

Permits/city  will cost you thousands more and at least 2 months.

Everyone telling you to do it have no clue to reality or hassle it will become.

If I had a dollar for everyone that told me about the hassle and cost and delay.

Could treat you to a nice steak dinner ( 2 years ago since prices have tripled).

Just build it correctly. ( within code).

Good Luck

Jonathan Greene · Answer

This is a no-brainer. Get the permit and do it all the right way. There is no good reason not to, other than contractor laziness. You probably won't get caught are famous last words for many people with red cards on their properties before listing it, closing it to flip and sell, or to turn into rentals. Any time you are adding a shower, you are moving water sources and need a permit and a licensed plumber. You only do not need permit on direct replacement, cosmetic work in bathrooms.

Jessica Harrison · Answer

The permitting is for your protection. If you know what you are doing and you are hiring a licensed plumber, you're likely going to be fine. But if you don't know bad work when you see it, then yes, have the inspection to make sure the work is done well. There's nothing worse then having a plumbing leak and having to rip out all the tile you just put in. Keep in mind that the contractors will likely charge you more because it does delay the process and their time is worth money and the permits also cost money. So, if they are pulling the permit for you, they will charge that back to you.

David Avery · Answer

A little un orthodox but,  make sure to frame and put sheeting on the outside of your garage.

Frame in late afternoon.  Finish framing and install window on Saturday and install sheeting on Sunday.

The more you get done on the weekend than great.

Good Luck

Should I get a permit?

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