Get the necessary permits

Are you planning any home improvements in the near future?  Get the necessary permits.  I can already hear some of you grumbling about it, complaining that it’s just a money grab, but the truth is that the permitting process has a purpose.

Get the necessary permits
Home imporvements

The permitting process assures that buildings, land and home improvements adhere to the building and zoning codes within your locality. Building and zoning codes exist to ensure that homes and other improvements are safe, structurally sound, and help maintain health standard.  If you think you’re savvy for avoiding the permitting process on your home improvements, read on. 

If you’ve circumvented the permitting process when building your improvement, chances are that there will be consequences in the future.  If you’re lucky, the permitting inspectors will catch up with you during your construction project. If you’re still in the process of your construction, you’ll likely get a notice to cease the project and go through the permitting process.  However, if your required to reconcile with your local permit office after the improvement is completed, the process can vary depending on your local permit office and the age of the improvement.

Unpermitted improvements are red flags for home buyers and their agents. When you decide to sell, there’s a good chance that home buyers will ask you about permits on your improvements, especially if it is touted in the listing. Don’t think you can hide it, permit info is typically readily available online or calling the permit office.  Your home sale price can be affected, depending on the size and scope of the unpermitted work.

Unpermitted improvements can also be a potential problem for your insurance company.  For example, any claims that concern an unpermitted improvement could potentially be denied.

A common issue I come across more than you think is that although permits were issued, there was never a final inspection by the permitting office. Many contractors also fail to follow through to the final inspection. The consequences of not passing a final inspection could potentially have the same effect as not having a permit at all. 

Regardless of the type of home improvement project you do, make certain the appropriate permits are obtained and finaled. The same applies when you hire a licensed contractor, make certain the appropriate permits are obtained and finaled.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2022

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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

Property Brothers option to home buying

If you’re looking for the perfect turn-key home, you may find that the already limited home inventory is further limited by the many homes with deferred maintenance and those that are in need of updates.  If you’re like the many frustrated home buyers in today’s market, you may decide to take the route of buying a home that includes the Property Brothers option.

As you know, HGTV’s Property Brothers is one of the most popular real estate shows on cable.  What makes the show work is the concept of transformation; creating a model home from one that is crying out for TLC.  Of course, the magic of TV makes it seem easy; home buyers appearing on the show put their trust into the dynamic duo to find the right home and to make it perfect.

A warning, however, this process is not for everyone.  Undergoing this type of project (buying and rehabbing a home) is taking an already exasperating process and making it an emotional and financial challenge.  It is also a time consuming, as you’re totally involved – from buying to rehabbing the home.  Your experience may be similar to those on TV, nevertheless it is more likely to feel like the movie “The Money Pit” or somewhere in between.

Unlike the Property Brothers, you don’t need your real estate agent and your contractor to know each other.  Each has a distinct role; one is helping you acquire the home, and the other is remaking it.  However, it’s a good idea to make sure each is licensed and experienced in this type of process.  Ask for references; some contractors will even have a portfolio of their work.

Before you begin taking the Property Brothers option, make sure you have the funding and your real estate agent and contractors are ready for action.

Talk to a lender about a renovation loan.  Besides providing the money to buy the home, a renovation loan will provide funding for renovations.  Loan programs and mortgage limits vary, so it’s a good idea to get qualified before you write a contract to buy a home.  Make sure your contractor can provide details about the renovation, as the underwriter will review the plans.  Consider a FHA 203K program, which also offers a “streamline” version for less expensive renovations.

Working with a top notch real estate agent is key in not only finding a home, but also negotiating a price.  The ability to think outside the box is very helpful in this phase.  They should be able to find the “diamond in the rough,” that provides suitable space at the right price.  If you’re communicating well with your agent, they will understand your requirements.

Once you identify a home (and before you write the offer), meeting with the contractor will determine if your vision is possible, and its price.  Be realistic and flexible.  Be prepared for bad news and to move on to another home.  Sometimes the home needs too much work and/or the cost of the renovation could be beyond your budget.

Even if you have lots of cash to spare, it’s recommended that you start by creating a budget.  Besides the acquisition cost, consider the renovation costs and carrying costs (if the project is long term).  Also decide on your limitations.  You may decide on limiting renovations to kitchen and bathrooms; or you could broaden the project to be more ambitious.  Consider creating a short term and long term plan for the house; focusing on critical repairs immediately, and making other updates over time.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2016

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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

Verify all contractor licenses

If your real estate agent says, “I have a guy to do the work…,” you might want to check if those contractors or handymen are licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). The Maryland Real Estate Commission warns consumers that it is illegal for unlicensed contractors and handymen to do home improvements for a fee.

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection website states that anyone who repairs, maintains, restores, or improves real property (homes) is required to be licensed by the MHIC. The MHIC regulates home improvement contractors, subcontractors and salespersons. If a handyman is altering, remodeling, or making repairs to your home- then the handyman is required to have a license too.

The MHIC issues licenses to contractors who have least two years trade experience; provide proof of financial solvency; and pass a test on the home improvement law and general business competency. Additionally, licensed contractors are also screened for serious criminal convictions and are required to make regular contributions to the Maryland Home Improvement guarantee fund.

If you selling your home, make sure that any completed repairs are performed by a contractor or handyman that is licensed by the MHIC. The Maryland Real Estate Commission and the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) recommend that you ask contractors and handymen for their MHIC license number to verify their license status and complaint history before they begin working on your home. You can verify MHIC licenses by either calling the MHIC or through their website (www.dllr.state.md.us/license/occprof/homeim.html). Additionally, it is recommended that you check with the OCP (240-777-3636) and the Better Business Bureau (202-393-8000) for any filed complaints against the contractors.

Additionally, verifying that your contractor or handyman is actively licensed prior to any home improvement will ensure that the contractor can obtain the proper permits (if required) as well as protect you from shoddy or incomplete work. The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation (DLLR) has made an effort to have permitting offices require all contractors present their licenses when applying for permits. Additionally, the MHIC investigates all consumer complaints (some complaints result in an award for monetary damages from their guarantee fund); the MHIC will also pursue and aid in the prosecution of violators of the Maryland home improvement law.

Two specific MHIC investigations of consumer complaints last year resulted in a revoked license, a fine and jail time. The first investigation (as reported by WBAL TV in Baltimore on October 21, 2008; wbaltv.com) resulted in a revoked license from a contractor who had numerous consumer complaints of shoddy work (one home owner complained that after he paid the contractor for an addition, the addition was ordered to be torn down for being unsafe). The second investigation (as reported by the DLLR on December 16, 2008) was of the deeds of an unlicensed contractor, which resulted in a $65,000 fine and thirty days in jail.

Even though you trust your real estate agent, the fact that a real estate broker was fined by the Maryland Real Estate Commission last year for allowing the use of an unlicensed contractor (to perform repairs that were listed in a contract addendum) should be motivation enough to check out any contractor before they begin to work on your home.

Original published at https://dankrell.com/blog/2009/03/17/verify-all-contractor-licenses-its-the-law/

By Dan Krell

This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Copyright © 2009 Dan Krell