Permits/refi

[Anonymous]

Just got turned down for a refinance I was fully qualified for because I do not have permits for some minor work I did to upgrade a kitchenette in my basement. My mom uses the basement when she comes to stay. There was a fridge and a sink when I moved in. I replaced the sink, added some cabinets and got a small electric oven so she could heat up coffee, etc. No plumbing or electrical work. It is not a rental unit....would need two exits for it to be anyway.

Just called DC to see if this was something I needed permits for and they said that yes, you do need to get permits whenever you replace an appliance. Like putting in a new sink, even if you don't do any plumbing work to do it. Seems preposterous. I asked if I had replaced the fridge, would I need a permit and the woman I was speaking to said yes. Basically, she said I should have gotten a permit for the sink and for the oven. My handyman did it all for me and never mentioned a permit.

Anyone have any experience with this? Already paid the $400 for an appriasal and did all the paperwork for a refi. Agh, agh, agh.

I called DC and asked if you can get a permit after the fact and they said yes, just fill out a postcard. No idea if that's really true and how long it would take. Probably longer than my rate lock period.

[Anonymous]

Did the appraiser ask about permits? How did this come up? I just refinanced, also in DC and have done a TON of work on my house much more signficant than you and the only project I got a permit for was replacing the roof. The appraiser never asked abotu this.

[Anonymous]

the appraiser did ask and i explained to him that it was not a rental unit, etc. never came up before (this is my third refinance since i bought the house.) they are asking if the previous owners had a permit for a basement kitchen...but all that was there was a utility sink and a fridge, can't imagine they permitted that.

i think i just got unlucky with the appraiser....