"Do I Need A Permit?"

If your home or other structure flooded or had other storm damage please see the following: Storm Damage Repair Work: What needs a permit?

Depending on if your house lies in the 100-year floodplain or lower, you will need to have a permit from City of Houston’s Floodplain Management Office. If you have general questions about what types of work need a permit, please follow this link to The Houston Permitting Center.

The bottom line is that many projects, especially in renovation or restoration, require a permit. If you have questions about what requires a permit, contact the permitting center’s Structural Inspection Division at 832.394.8840. Now I know you might think many of your projects don’t need a permit. For instance, you may say, "Drew, why do I need to get a permit to change an exterior door or some other small project?" I'd answer you with the following:

• Having a permit is required. In addition to building codes being in place to ensure structural safety, the appraisal office uses permits as a tool to keep up to date on the condition of your structure.

• When it is time for you to sell your home, one of the questions on the Seller's Disclosure (TAR-1406 or TREC-OP-H) asks if you are aware of the following:

  • "Room additions, structural modifications, or other alterations or repairs made without necessary permits or not in compliance with building codes in effect at the time."

Remember that when you execute the seller’s disclosure for your home, you are stating:

"Seller acknowledges that the statements in this notice are true to the best of Seller’s belief and that no person, including the broker(s), has instructed or influenced Seller to provide inaccurate information or to omit any material information."

If you have questions about any of what I have discussed above, please contact me. If you are in doubt about whether work to be done to your property requires permitting, please contact the permitting office or consult with your contractor prior to commencing any work.