Fairfax County - what is the downside if you don't get a permit before doing some remodeling?

[Anonymous]

say something really minor like replacing paneling with drywall and moving a few light fixtures in a basement (something you can do in a day or two yourself) to something more structural like putting in a window in your basement to create more natural light.

assume you know what you are doing so there is no risk to the house or people, and you are going to do any work "to code" even if you don't pull a permit.

[Anonymous]

You certainly don't need a permit to replace paneling with drywall or move a couple of light fixtures. You probably don't need a permit to add a basement window either.

[Anonymous]

Pretty sure the only thing you might need a permit for is a basement window....

We move light fixtures all the time. Very easy...

[Anonymous]

Heh, your homeowner's insurance will not cover anything that is caused from your work. Sometimes even if it doesn't cause anything.

Worst case, they found out you did work without permit and drop your coverage, and you don't find out about it for a while because of postal delays (they don't call or email you), and there's now a lapse in insurance, and your mortgage goes to foreclosure due to mandatory insurance clause..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Heh, your homeowner's insurance will not cover anything that is caused from your work. Sometimes even if it doesn't cause anything.

Worst case, they found out you did work without permit and drop your coverage, and you don't find out about it for a while because of postal delays (they don't call or email you), and there's now a lapse in insurance, and your mortgage goes to foreclosure due to mandatory insurance clause..

Chicken Little … Henny Penny ...

[Anonymous]

Fairfax County has a pamphlet online detailing what is required when you finish a basement.

I believe permits are required for drywall/framing, but not required for replacing light fixtures and outlets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Heh, your homeowner's insurance will not cover anything that is caused from your work. Sometimes even if it doesn't cause anything.

Worst case, they found out you did work without permit and drop your coverage, and you don't find out about it for a while because of postal delays (they don't call or email you), and there's now a lapse in insurance, and your mortgage goes to foreclosure due to mandatory insurance clause..

I don't buy that. If the window was installed to code (i.e., right size, right height, right glass), no chance they deny coverage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County has a pamphlet online detailing what is required when you finish a basement.

I believe permits are required for drywall/framing, but not required for replacing light fixtures and outlets.

yes, I know they are required - but what happens if you don't get the permit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Heh, your homeowner's insurance will not cover anything that is caused from your work. Sometimes even if it doesn't cause anything.

Worst case, they found out you did work without permit and drop your coverage, and you don't find out about it for a while because of postal delays (they don't call or email you), and there's now a lapse in insurance, and your mortgage goes to foreclosure due to mandatory insurance clause..

I don't buy that. If the window was installed to code (i.e., right size, right height, right glass), no chance they deny coverage.

Probably, but you'll go through a lot of headaches if somebody finds out. Not worth the savings, imo.

[Anonymous]

Let's say you installed a light incorrectly and the house caught on fire. The insurance company could deny your claim. If an electrician installed it the insurance company would sue the electrician's company and get insurance money from them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let's say you installed a light incorrectly and the house caught on fire. The insurance company could deny your claim. If an electrician installed it the insurance company would sue the electrician's company and get insurance money from them.

You don't need a permit to install or change light fixtures.

You also do not need a permit to change outlets.

[Anonymous]

It can be used as leverage when you sell your house.

I was the beneficiary of one DIYer who put his house on the market. My savvy realtor correctly guessed that the kitchen and basement reno were not properly permitted, and so made part of our sales offer continent upon him showing proof that worked was properly permitted. Of course, it wasn't, so owner accepted our low ball offer and we bought a house! We later had to go back and fix his many mistakes, but still came out ahead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: say something really minor like replacing paneling with drywall and moving a few light fixtures in a basement (something you can do in a day or two yourself) to something more structural like putting in a window in your basement to create more natural light.

assume you know what you are doing so there is no risk to the house or people, and you are going to do any work "to code" even if you don't pull a permit.

You need a permit to move an electrical fixture or to put in a new fixture but not to replace a fixture. No wiring work is involved. You also need a permit to add a new window but not to replace a window in a existing opening. Renovating a bath doesn't require a permit if all electrical, drains, plumbing is in the same location. If I choose to enlarge my shower [new structural walls] I need a permit.

The scope of the job is bigger. If you aren't an electrician why would you do it yourself? We always get permits. Plus if something is wrong the county is great about helping the situation get rectified. I've been in that situation.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/construction/whenapermitisrequired.htm

When I changed homeowners ins the new company came out and took pictures of every room in the house plus multiple exterior shots. We are going to be getting bids for some renovations and when that work is done I'll have them back out for new pics. They don't charge for the visit and my premium won't increase but if there is a fire I'll get the marble or granite and not corian .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Heh, your homeowner's insurance will not cover anything that is caused from your work. Sometimes even if it doesn't cause anything.

That's a fairytale.

[Anonymous]

permit just seems to be a headache.

what happens AFTER you have the work done and then you want to cover your ass and get a permit? can they make you rip stuff up?