Before starting a home remodeling project, it’s essential to check if you must obtain a remodeling permit. These are official approvals from the city that ensure your project meets safety and building codes. They help protect homeowners from issues like unsafe construction, and they can be required for selling a house.
In Denver, the homeowner is responsible for getting the right permits, even if they hire a contractor. Some contractors handle 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 home improvements require permits?
Not all home improvements need a permit, but many major projects do. In Denver, you’ll likely need a remodeling permit for changes involving plumbing, electrical work, or structural updates. Common projects that require permits include:
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Roof repairs
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Adding a room
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Upgrading electrical wiring
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Moving sinks or toilets
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Installing an HVAC system
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Removing walls
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Building a deck or patio
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Finishing a basement
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 not sure whether you need a permit, contact your local building inspection office to find out.
Types of permits required in Denver
Depending on your project, you may need different types of permits in Denver:
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Building permits: Required for structural changes, additions, or major renovations.
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Electrical permits: Needed for anything involving wiring or electrical panels.
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Plumbing permits: Required if you’re adding or moving plumbing fixtures.
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Mechanical permits: Necessary for HVAC work, like installing a new air conditioner or furnace.
Permit costs depend on the type and scope of the project, and some home updates might require multiple property inspections before approval.
Can you sell a house without permits in Denver?
If you’ve done home improvements without the right remodeling permits, selling your house can be tricky. Many buyers and lenders require a home inspection before closing. If unpermitted work is discovered, it can cause delays, lower your home’s value, and even cause legal issues.
Unpermitted work can also create insurance problems. If something goes wrong due to unapproved home renovation, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover the damage. Some buyers might walk away from a sale altogether.
If you want to fix the issue, you’ll have to apply for retroactive permits—which might mean redoing some of the work. This process can be expensive and time-consuming.
How to sell your house “as is” with unpermitted work
If you have unpermitted renovations and don’t want 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® are different. We buy houses with unresolved home maintenance issues, code violations, and unpermitted work—so you don’t have to worry about repairs.
Sell your house “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses®.
At We Buy Ugly Houses, we make selling your house simple. In real estate markets like Denver, 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 take a look at 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 fast 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 need for costly repairs, no long wait times, and no dealing with property inspections. For the past 29 years, we’ve helped over 150,000 homeowners across the country sell quickly.
If you’re looking to sell your house “as is,” We Buy Ugly Houses in Denver can assist you. 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.
