Before beginning a home remodeling project, it’s necessary to check if you need a remodeling permit. These are permissions issued by the city that confirm your project meets safety and building regulations. They serve to safeguard homeowners from problems like unsafe construction, and they can be required for selling a house.
In Seattle, the homeowner is responsible for getting the right permits, even if they hire a contractor. Some contractors manage the paperwork, but it’s best to double-check that everything is properly filed before work starts. If you overlook getting the proper permits, you might face fines or issues when you try to sell your house later.
Which renovations require permits?
Not all home improvements require a permit, but many significant projects do. In Seattle, you’ll typically need a remodeling permit for changes involving electrical, plumbing, or major structural changes. Common projects that need permits include:
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Roof replacements
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Expanding your home
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Replacing breaker panels
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Relocating plumbing pipes
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Replacing old HVAC units
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Making structural changes
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Installing a tall fence
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Repairing the foundation
Some home renovation permits take longer to get than others. Big projects like major expansions may involve extra approval from city inspectors. If you’re uncertain whether you need a permit, reach out to your local building inspection office to get clarification.
Common permits required in Seattle
Depending on your project, you may have to obtain different types of permits in Seattle:
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Building permits: Necessary when making structural changes, additions, or major renovations.
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Electrical permits: Essential when handling wiring or electrical panels.
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Plumbing permits: Needed when adding or moving plumbing fixtures.
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Mechanical permits: Required when 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.
Is it possible to sell without permits in Seattle?
If you’ve done home improvements that lack the required 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 lead to setbacks, lower your home’s value, and even cause legal issues.
Unpermitted work can also lead to insurance problems. If something goes wrong due to unapproved home renovation, your homeowner’s insurance may not pay for the damage. Some buyers might back out of a sale altogether.
If you need to correct the issue, you’ll have to request retroactive permits—which might mean modifying some of the work. This process can be costly 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 require 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 property “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 Seattle, we buy houses in nearly any condition—even if past remodeling projects didn’t have the right permits.
Here’s how our 3-step home-buying process works:
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Give us a call for a free, no-obligation consultation at your property on your schedule.
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One of our experts will evaluate your property and may provide 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 requirement for expensive renovations, no long wait times, and no handling property inspections. For the past 25 years, we’ve helped over 150,000 homeowners across the country move on without hassle.
If you’re ready to sell your house “as is,” We Buy Ugly Houses in Seattle can help you through the process. Call us 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.
