If you’re buying, selling, or investing in real estate in Los Angeles, knowing how to pull permits for home repairs can save you time, money, and a potential legal headache. Permits ensure your work complies with local building codes and protects your investment. Whether you’re dealing with a property in Los Angeles City, San Francisco, or another area in Southern California, understanding the process is key.
This guide will show you how to manage permits and avoid complications, from inspections to legal issues. We’ll also explain how Dasaa Investments can help you sell your home as-is without worrying about repairs or permits.
What Is Unpermitted Work?
Unpermitted work refers to any construction, renovation, or repair completed without getting the necessary approval from local authorities. This can include:
- Structural changes
- Electrical or plumbing upgrades
- Kitchen or bathroom remodels
- Roofing or siding replacements
Unpermitted work can lead to fines, lawsuits, insurance issues, or even city complaints. Many homeowners don’t realize how unpermitted work can complicate their mortgage or impact their home’s market value. Proper inspection and pulling permits are critical for safety and future real estate transactions.
When Do You Need a Permit?
Not all home repairs need a permit, but larger projects involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes almost always do. Even something like installing a new air conditioning unit could require a permit. Minor updates like painting or replacing flooring may not require one, but confirming with your local building department or code enforcement office is essential.
In California, you might also need a permit for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or garage conversions, which are becoming popular in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco to address the lack of affordable housing.
Steps for Getting a Permit
1. Confirm if a Permit Is Required
Check with the building department or real estate agent to determine if your project needs a permit. Projects involving structural changes, electrical, or plumbing work almost always do. For example, adding extra bedrooms or a new bathroom, converting a garage, or installing a new heat and air conditioning system will require approval from the city.
2. Submit the Permit Application
You must submit plans, pay a fee, and describe your project in detail. Hiring an architect or engineer may be necessary to draw up the plans and ensure compliance with building codes. Professional assistance is highly recommended if your project is large, like a home renovation or foundation work.
3. Plan Review
Your local government will review your plans to ensure they comply with the zoning and building laws. This might involve multiple departments, especially if the work touches on the home’s plumbing, electrical, or structural areas. Inspections will be needed throughout the process, and the more complex your project, the more complexity there is to manage.
4. Receive the Permit
Once your plans are approved, you’ll receive a permit to start the work. Make sure to display the permit in an obvious place, such as on the construction site, as inspectors will need to see it during their visits.
Key Inspections to Be Aware Of
During your renovation or repair, several inspections will take place. This ensures that your work aligns with local building codes and safety standards.
Here are the main ones:
Foundation Inspection
Any foundation work must be inspected to ensure it’s structurally sound. Foundation work is essential when adding extra rooms, ADUs, or upgrading your home for safety.
Framing Inspection
Inspectors will check the framing to confirm it’s built according to your approved plans. This is crucial for larger renovations, such as converting a garage into a livable space or adding extra bedrooms.
Plumbing and Electrical Inspections
Work involving plumbing and electrical systems needs to be thoroughly checked for compliance. Los Angeles has strict rules regarding these systems, so it’s important to make sure they’re inspected at the right times.
Final Inspection
A final inspection ensures everything follows code, including air conditioning and plumbing system safety checks. Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Occupancy, proving your home is safe and ready for use.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Permits
Skipping permits can lead to costly mistakes, legal trouble, and insurance policy issues.
Here are some of the risks:
Fines and Legal Penalties
Local authorities can impose fines or even take legal action if you don’t have the correct permits.
Lower Property Value
Homes with unpermitted work are less attractive to buyers and might get flagged during the home inspection.
Insurance Complications
Your home insurance policy might not cover damages resulting from unpermitted work, especially if the work involves electrical or plumbing hazards.
Risk of Lawsuits
If unpermitted work causes injury or damage, you could be sued by future homeowners or even tenants if you’re renting out the property.
How Dasaa Investments Can Help You
At Dasaa Investments, we understand the challenges of dealing with the permit process. As real estate investors, we buy homes as-is, meaning you don’t have to worry about getting permits or making repairs before selling.
Here’s how we make things easy:
Quick Offers
We provide fast offers on your property, allowing you to avoid delays often caused by the permit and inspection process.
No Repairs Required
We buy homes in any condition, so you won’t have to deal with contractors, repairs, or unpermitted work.
Stress-Free Sales Process
We aim to make the transaction as simple as possible, so you won’t need to worry about zoning, permits, or code compliance.
Ready to Sell?
Selling your home in Los Angeles can be complicated, especially when permits, inspections, and repairs are involved. If you want to sell your home quickly, without worrying about all that, Dasaa Investments is here to help.
Call us at (949) 232-0897, email us, or find us on Instagram and Facebook. We can make a fair offer so you can move on to your next investment or home.