By Barbara Lehrer
Real Talk
Barbara Lehrer
Your town has requirements for any work to be done on your property. These regulations are designed to protect you. For example, whenever you renovate your home, the first thing and the last thing you should think of is inquiring as to the need of a permit.
What a pain, you may say. You may pull the permit yourself or have the contractor do it and then, in all the hustle to complete the project, forget to close the permit. But each permit has a purpose, and it is important to know that amongst its rules are also safeguards, as the town officials come to your home to approve the permit and then again to approve closing the permit.
This process can protect you from future issues on resale or just day-to-day living protection. From electrical to plumbing and more, each town has specific rules, and it keeps a history of work performed and completed.
It is common to find a home that lacks some permits for past work, as most of our homes are older now. A basement remodeled over 20 years ago may be able to abstain from certain current standards. Permits that were never pulled 20 years ago are usually not required anymore; they are outdated, even if they were not necessarily properly done 20 years ago. In this case, it would behoove the homeowners to get an electrician, for example, and to do a thorough inspection of the basement, pulling a new permit and then closing it when all is safe and satisfactory.
The installation of a swimming pool is a prime example of how the town’s building department can be an important asset in the process from beginning to end. They help decide where the pool can go with regards to well, septic and land lines; bonding issues; trench approvals; fence heights and gate action and more. Even if you add lighting around the pool, never discount the town officials. Their wealth of knowledge adds to the pool company’s and together the homeowner becomes an educated pool owner. After total completion they come back once more to sign off on the pool. You absolutely need that in your file in the town hall.
You may want a good deal on a new bathroom or a quick porch enclosure. But believe me, it is an educated homeowner who inquires up front to the contractor if his workmanship includes town representatives coming by, with the costs of the permits required. A stone wall – even basement pillars in some cases – needs to be reviewed by the powers that be. As an agent for almost 40 years, I cannot tell you the number times that a buyer’s attorney has inquired about outstanding permits and the pending deal is delayed.
If you want to add a shed, for instance, you can go online and see the qualifications from the town officials. The building department and zoning officials are open to inquiries. By doing so you will not have problems later by, for example, infringing on neighbor’s property. All outbuildings constructed have strict rules, and many contractors are not familiar with changes as they come because each town’s enforcements may vary.
Flood zones are changing too, and if you are concerned about a stream on the edge of your property the town can advise you as to your rights and restrictions. We all know never to reroute water or cover up wetlands, as it may interfere with natural flows. If there is a drain in your front yard at the road edge and you feel it is clogged, the town’s maintenance department wants to know.
Perhaps a tree is tilting, or maybe your view is obstructed coming out of a street. Give the town a call. We live in a beautiful area; the Milford and Orange town halls are proud to represent the families and their properties. Use them for advice and safety; it is what they are there for.
If you need more information on these issues, email Barbara.Lehrer@cbmoves.com.