When Sean decided to add an additional living space to his home, he was excited about the potential value it would add to his property. He hired a contractor to complete the work, but didn't obtain the necessary permits or documentation from his local authorities. The addition was completed, but it wasn't up to code and wasn't reflected in the city's records.
Years later, when Mark decided to sell his home, he was surprised to learn that the additional living space wasn't documented in the city's records. The potential buyers were hesitant to purchase a property with undocumented additions, and Mark was forced to lower his asking price significantly. In the end, Mark had to forfeit the money he invested in the addition, simply because he didn't have the proper documentation.
Adding square footage to your home can be a great way to increase your property value, but it's important to do it the right way to avoid issues down the road. According to the National Association of Realtors, adding a bathroom or expanding a kitchen can have a significant impact on your home's value. However, adding square footage without proper permits and documentation can lead to significant complications and legal issues when it's time to sell.
In the metro Richmond area the process for adding square footage to your home can vary depending on the locality. In Chesterfield County, for example, homeowners are required to obtain a building permit for any additions or alterations that impact the structural integrity of the home. In Henrico County, homeowners must obtain a building permit for any addition that exceeds 200 square feet or alters the home's structural components. Failure to obtain the proper permits and documentation can result in fines and legal issues down the road.
To ensure that your addition is done correctly and up to code, it's essential to hire a professional contractor or architect and obtain the proper permits from your local authorities. At CSG, our Advisors have the expertise to help you make informed decisions about your home improvement projects. This includes identifying the right professionals who can ensure your home additions are properly managed and documented. By working with our Advisors, you can avoid the pitfalls of adding square footage to your home without proper permits and documentation and ensure that your addition adds the maximum value to your property.
