Before starting a home remodeling project, it's important to check if you must obtain a remodeling permit. These are official approvals from the city that confirm your project meets safety and building codes. They help protect homeowners from problems like unsafe construction, and they can cause issues with selling a house.
In Dallas, the homeowner is responsible for getting the right permits, even if they hire a contractor. Some contractors manage the paperwork, but it's wise to double-check that everything is in order before work begins. If you skip getting the proper permits, you might face fines or complications when you try to sell your house later.
What types of projects require permits?
Not all home improvements need a permit, but many big projects do. In Dallas, you’ll typically need a remodeling permit for changes involving plumbing, electrical work, or structural updates. Common projects that need permits include:
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Roof repairs
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Adding a room
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Replacing breaker panels
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Adjusting bathroom or kitchen plumbing
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Installing an HVAC system
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Making structural changes
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Installing a tall fence
Some home renovation permits take longer to get than others. Big projects like new home additions may need extra approval from city inspectors. If you're unsure whether you need a permit, contact your local building inspection office to get clarification.
Common permits required in Dallas
Depending on your project, you may have to obtain different types of permits in Dallas:
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Building permits: Necessary when making structural changes, additions, or major renovations.
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Electrical permits: Essential when handling anything involving wiring or electrical panels.
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Plumbing permits: Necessary when you're adding or moving plumbing fixtures.
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Mechanical permits: Needed for HVAC work, like installing a new air conditioner or furnace.
Permit costs vary based on the type and scope of the project, and some home updates might call for multiple property inspections before approval.
Can you sell a house without permits in Dallas?
If you've made home improvements without the right remodeling permits, selling your house can get complicated. Many buyers and lenders insist on a home inspection before closing. If unpermitted work is found, it can slow down the process, lower your home's value, and even cause legal issues.
Unpermitted work can also create insurance problems. If something breaks down due to unapproved home renovation, your homeowner's insurance may not cover the damage. Some buyers might back out of a sale altogether.
If you decide to address the issue, you’ll have to get retroactive permits—which might mean modifying some of the work. This process can be expensive and take a long time.
Options for selling your house “as is” with unpermitted work
If you have unpermitted renovations and don’t have the time to deal with fixing them, you can still sell your house “as is.” Some buyers will insist that you fix unpermitted work before closing, but off-market buyers like We Buy Ugly Houses® provide an alternative. We buy houses with unresolved home maintenance issues, code violations, and unpermitted work—so you don’t need to worry about repairs.
Sell your house “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses®.
At We Buy Ugly Houses, we offer a hassle-free way to sell your house. In real estate markets like Dallas, we buy houses in nearly any condition—even if past remodeling projects were done without permits.
Here’s how our 3-step home-buying process works:
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Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation at your property on your schedule.
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We’ll assess your house and may give you a quick, convenient offer on the spot. Our offers are based on your house’s features and conditions, local comparable home sales, and other factors.
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If you accept an offer from us, we’ll do our best to work with your timeline for a quick closing. We can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks.
We never charge commissions or hidden fees, and we pay all typical closing costs.†
With us, there‘s no stress about fixing things, no long wait times, and no managing property inspections. For the past 25 years, we’ve helped over 150,000 homeowners across the country close with confidence.
If you're looking to sell your house “as is,” We Buy Ugly Houses in Dallas can help you through the process. Contact us today to get a free consultation toward an offer on your house.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
