Before starting a home remodeling project, it’s important to check if you must obtain a remodeling permit. These are allowances authorized by the city that verify your project meets safety and building guidelines. They help to shield homeowners from complications like unsafe construction, and they can cause issues with selling a house.
In Phoenix, the homeowner is responsible for getting the right permits, even if they work with a contractor. Some contractors take care of the paperwork, but it’s always good to double-check that everything is correct before work begins. If you ignore getting the proper permits, you might risk fines or complications when you try to sell your house later.
What types of projects require permits?
Not all home improvements require a permit, but many big projects do. In Phoenix, you’ll likely need a remodeling permit for changes involving significant alterations like plumbing, electrical, or foundation work. Common projects that need permits include:
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Fixing a damaged roof
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Building a home addition
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Updating electrical systems
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Adjusting bathroom or kitchen plumbing
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Upgrading heating and cooling
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Altering the home’s layout
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Constructing outdoor structures over a certain height
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Completing lower-level renovations
Some home renovation permits require more time than others. Big projects like large-scale renovations may require extra approval from city inspectors. If you’re unsure whether you need a permit, check with your local building inspection office to get more information.
Common permits required in Phoenix
Depending on your project, you may have to obtain different types of permits in Phoenix:
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Building permits: Needed for structural changes, additions, or major renovations.
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Electrical permits: Required to complete anything involving wiring or electrical panels.
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Plumbing permits: Necessary when 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 are determined by the type and scope of the project, and some home updates might need multiple property inspections before approval.
Can you sell a house without permits in Phoenix?
If you’ve done home improvements that were completed without remodeling permits, selling your house can become challenging. Many buyers and lenders ask for a home inspection before closing. If unpermitted work is uncovered, it can slow down the process, lower your home’s value, and even cause legal issues.
Unpermitted work can also cause insurance problems. If something breaks down 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 decide to address the issue, you’ll have to get retroactive permits—which might mean redoing some of the work. This process can be costly and time-consuming.
Ways 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® offer another option. 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 help you sell your house easily. In real estate markets like Phoenix, 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 make 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 stress about fixing things, no long wait times, and no managing property inspections. For the past 29 years, we’ve helped over 150,000 homeowners across the country close with confidence.
If you’re wanting to sell your house “as is,” We Buy Ugly Houses in Phoenix can offer a hassle-free sale. 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.
