If you want to list your house in the market with a boosted sale price, the best way to achieve that is through home remodeling or renovation projects. It’s almost certain  that homebuyers will choose a house with stylish upgrades over a plain-looking house. However, as either a seller or buyer, you must know what projects require permits.

Generally, the home improvements in Lewisburg, WV that require permits are most residential work. This includes decks, fences, fireplaces, garages, pools, and water heaters. Renovations like basement furnishings, garage conversions, kitchen expansions, and reroofing also require a permit.

Obtaining permits for any extensive renovations in your home is necessary. This article will guide you through the basics of the permitting process. At the end of this post, you’ll know more about  what requires a building permit in West Virginia, and the requirements for securing these permits.

Do You Need Building Permits in West Virginia?

While the permits and regulations are set locally and vary throughout the state of West Virginia, you must have a building permit if you build a new structure, demolish one, or modify an existing building. These permits protect the current homeowner and future owners by verifying that the project is within regulations and can stand up over time.

Do Home Renovations Need Building Permits?

Even though you own your house, you will still need building permits for home renovations and other structural changes. Securing these permits ensures that your changes will be “up to code.”

If you add square footage, make structural modifications, remodel your kitchen, or significantly modify other building components, then you need  to obtain a building permit. However, if you only make  cosmetic interior upgrades that include, but are not limited to, painting a room or updating a faucet, you don’t have to secure one.

Some people might think that permits are a waste of time and money but this attitude is unwise. Remember that doing the work without securing the required permits is not worth the risk, as it can bring you several disadvantages:

• Home appraisers might not include your work in a future appraisal, reducing your home’s worth.
• Lenders might be hesitant to grant you a mortgage.
• You can get fines or penalties from your municipality.
• You might need to redo the work to bring it up to code.
• You will find it hard to sell the house.

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Deck in WV?

Permits are required to build  a deck in West Virginia. Aside from this residential work, other projects that require permits are new buildings, additions, and other residential work such as fences, fireplaces, garages, pools, and water heaters.

What Requires a Building Permit in WV?

The requirement for building permits in West Virginia varies depending on the local city’s conditions. Generally, it includes but is not limited to commercial, industrial and residential structures, building additions, and interior and exterior remodeling and renovation projects. Depending on the city’s regulations, it can also include small accessory structures like decks, fences, patios, pools, and sheds.

If you’re planning on home renovations like basement furnishings, garage conversions, kitchen expansions, and reroofing, remember to secure permits, too. You should also obtain licenses if you plan to update electrical systems, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing systems. Installation of electrical outlets and hot tub, pool, or spa, remodeling bathrooms and kitchens, and replacing windows are other projects requiring permits.

You must secure a building permit before starting any work on any of the above projects. Otherwise, the city can subject you to fines or even lawsuits affecting the project’s completion.

Where in West Virginia Do I File My Building Permit Application?

You can file your building permit application as issued by the municipality where your property is located in West Virginia. So, if you have a property in Lewisburg, secure a permit from the city.

However, there are instances, such as properties in  unincorporated areas, where permits are obtained in the county instead. Always remember, though, that you can always get information on the permit requirements and applications for all sorts of licenses in your local building permit offices.

What Are the Requirements for Securing a Building Permit?

Like any other city in West Virginia with application guidelines, Lewisburg citizens need to submit their application for their proposed renovations to the City Planning and Zoning for approval. Applicants may pick up their applications at the city hall or online at www.lewisburgwv.com.

For a detailed understanding of what to provide, here’s a list of the requirements in securing a building permit:

1. For all contractors and subcontractors: Copy of the City of Lewisburg Business license and a copy of the State Business License
2. For all contractors: Contact information and completed B&O tax form
3. Completed building permit form with the list of materials and two copies of blueprints if it’s new construction or an addition
4. Signature of the owner of the property and all contractors
5. Value of the improvements, such as the labor and materials

However, note that the owner or contractor is responsible for applying for that permit.

Guidelines in Planning Construction and Repair Work Within Lewisburg, WV

If you plan on a renovation  project in Lewisburg, you should know that the city proudly recognizes and supports efforts honoring its past via a few effective practices. Lewisburg appoints a Historic Landmarks Commission to help regulate construction work in the district, develops city codes designed to protect the community, and establishes a National Register Historic District.

In particular, here are the most crucial points under the guidelines in planning construction and repair work on buildings within Lewisburg:

• Every exterior change of all kinds to structures requires a Certificate of Appropriateness before securing a building permit and beginning the project.
• Before installation, every business design in the Historic District must obtain a sign permit, validated by the Historic Landmarks Commission.
• New building or outbuilding constructions still require a Certificate of Appropriateness before securing a building permit and starting the work despite their significant difference among additions or alterations to older structures.
• While the Historic Landmarks Commission does not regulate interior work, it may still need a building permit.
• The regular deliberations are on the second Monday of every month, in a public place, usually in Lewisburg’s City Hall.
• Only emergency permits, such as storm damage and water leaking into living spaces, can be issued through appeal to the city mayor.

Final Thoughts

Most large home improvement projects require a permit, since these involve significant changes to the structure of your home. However, remember that every municipality has varied rules, so always call for clarification and check your city’s website.

If you are from West Virginia and have a home improvement project that requires a building permit, you can contact the best realtor to help you. Contact Rebecca Gaujot at 304-520-2133 today or visit their website at www.LewisburgWVHomesforSale.com.

Dubbed the “coolest small town in America,” it’s no wonder why thousands of tourists flock to Lewisburg, West Virginia, for a taste of culture, creativity, and community.

And with a wide selection of affordable housing and low cost of living, you may even be enticed to snag a piece of Lewisburg, WV real estate yourself!

However, buying a house is a major financial decision, and there are a lot of factors you need to assess before jumping in.

Aside from having a steady job to make a down payment, closing costs, and paying a steady stream of bills, it’s also important that you set aside solid savings and emergency funds. 

Having a sensible debt-to-income ratio will allow you to have a good credit score and a generous mortgage.

Since buying a house is a huge investment, it’s also important that your purchase of one of the Lewisburg, WV homes for sale is aligned with your family’s long-term goals.

To help you out, check out the tips that will help you figure out if you’re ready to buy real estate in Lewisburg, WV.

How Do I Know When I’m Ready to Buy a House?

Tip #1: You’ve got the documentation to prove financial stability.

Ranked as one of the most economical locations in the US, living in Lewisburg, WV is certainly an inviting prospect. 

According to Realtor.com, the median listing home price for Lewisburg, WV homes for sale is $189,900. Compared to the national average of $408,000, Lewisburg WV Home Value is an economical choice.

Overall living cost is 15% lower than the national average, taking into consideration commodities such as:

• Utilities
• Groceries
• Transportation
• Health expenses

What Are the Steps to Buying a Home for the First Time?

Having a steady job you’ve had for years will help back up your case for homeownership. With that, you’d also need to assess how much of your total monthly income goes into your house payment.

Before you jump in, ensure that you have all the documentation to support your financial stability for a smooth loan approval process. 

Pre-approval for a mortgage requires documents that validate your:

• Employment
• Income
• Assets
• Debt

These documents generally come in a W-2 form, tax returns, bank statements, and employment verifications.

Tip #2: You have a sensible debt-to-income ratio.

Do you have existing debts on your hands? These extra bills will diminish your capacity to cover the expenses of being a homeowner, such as homeowner’s insurance, property tax, repairs, and maintenance.

To ensure that you don’t overexert your financial capacity, calculate your debt-to-income ratio by adding your monthly debt payments and dividing the total by your monthly gross income.

Banks and lenders use a combination of these monthly obligations to find total debt:

• New mortgage payments
• Credit card payments
• Car payments
• Childcare or senior care costs

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, applicants for a new mortgage cannot exceed a 43% debt-to-income ratio.

Tip #3: You have an acceptable credit score.

In connection to the last tip, having all your debt paid off will increase your credit score. A higher credit score will qualify you for a better interest rate, which will make your lower monthly mortgage payment more affordable.

More than that, a bad credit score will revoke your qualification for a mortgage. While the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers options for borrowers with credit scores as low as 500, it won’t be easy to find a lender with these requirements.

Consistently late payments will also diminish your chances of getting a good mortgage.

Tip #4: You have a solid savings account and emergency fund.

Such as with life, unexpected circumstances do pop up –– whether it concerns your house, health, or employment. 

Having a savings account and emergency fund to lean on is necessary, especially since a large chunk of your monthly income is already going to your mortgage and house bills.

Tip #5: You can provide a reasonable down payment.

Your dream of buying a new house can get scrapped if you can’t make a reasonable down payment.

According to the FHA, most mortgage programs require a minimum downpayment of 3.5%. 

However, it’s recommended that you only buy a home if you’ve saved up a 10% down payment outside of your savings account and emergency funds. Down payments between 15% to 20% are even better as it avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirements. 

In the end, a higher down payment will lower your monthly payments. This will put you in a better financial position in the years to come.

Tip #6: You can comfortably pay closing costs.

Closing costs will depend on your realtor, but West Virginia’s closing cost is generally around 1.0%.

According to ClosingCorp, West Virginia homes have an average closing cost of $3,350+, about 1.7% to 3.35% of the final home sale price. Lewisburg, WV homes for sale range between $100,000 to $500,000, so expect to pay closing costs of $1,676.15 and $6,704.58.

Closing costs include:

• Appraisal fees
• Loan origination fees
• Deed recording fees
• Discount points
• Title insurance
• Taxes
• Credit report charges
• Attorney and closing agent fees

Aside from closing costs, set aside funds for realtor fees, home selling expenses, and, of course, your mortgage.

Tip #7: You’ve laid out your long-term goals.

Make sure that your long-term goals are aligned with your financial plan. If you’re planning a new business or starting a family, these shouldn’t get in the way of paying your mortgages.

Buying a new house is a huge investment that will be worthwhile when kept for the next 30 years or so. If you’re planning to build your career or raise your kids in Lewisburg, WV, then it may be time to buy a house.

However, Lewisburg, WV homes for sale have great profit potential, so you can still have lucrative options if you’re planning to move in the future.

You can get a steady income from renting off your property, or you can invest in renovations and remodeling to sell the house for thousands more than what you’ve spent.

Conclusion

Buying a new home doesn’t have to be scary or frustrating. 

If you’re ready to buy real estate in Lewisburg, WV, get in touch with a trusted local realtor. With the right guidance from a Lewisburg realtor, buying a house will be a positive experience –– as it should be!

If you play your cards right, a home can earn you more than what you paid for it. Buying a home and using it as a rental is one of the surefire ways to make money. Flipping houses and buying homes in neighborhoods increasing in value is also effective. If your community is developing quickly, you can sell the house at a profit, even after having lived in it. Recouping your initial expenditure and more is what makes an investment. There are different ways to make money off a home, each effective in its own right.

For instance, real estate in Lewisburg, WV, can be a great investment. You can rent it out for a considerable amount of money each month. This provides steady income off of the property. Some homes have potential for renovation and upgrades. Once you get that done, you can sell it for thousands of dollars more than what you spent on it. Some people’s businesses work solely off of flipping houses, so you know it can make a good profit.

Even if you occupy a home you have purchased, you can still make a profit off of it later. Certain neighborhoods have the potential for properties to appreciate years down the line. The profit that you can make in these cases can be significant.

In pretty much all cases, real estate does not depreciate in value. This makes it a good place to sink your money. It is important to know how to go beyond keeping your money safe in real estate to making money off it. That’s what this post is going to teach you how to do.

How to Make Money From a Home

There are a few broad paths by which you can make a profit off of a home. You can make money whether you live in the home or not, and that provides you with some flexibility.

1. Rental home: Not everyone has the money to buy a home for themselves. This creates the market for rental properties, which a large number of people occupy. You can buy a home and use it as a rental property. This way, you receive consistent monthly or yearly income. Profit off a rental property is more of a long term affair, so you’ll have to be patient. This is particularly the case if you have already paid for the home in full. Another option for rentals is to finance the house and pay the mortgage every month. Your tenant’s rent will cover the mortgage, with some profit on top of it. This way, your client bears the burden of the mortgage. The main downside to this method comes in if your tenant’s payments are no longer consistent. The burden of the mortgage transfers to you, and this can unsettle finances. In some cases, you can even rent out a basement apartment while living in the same building. The rent won’t be as much, but this is a great way to get the best of both worlds.
2. Flipping properties: Buying a home, renovating it, and selling it for a profit is known as ‘flipping’. Flipping a home is a short-term investment on a home that will yield large profit faster than a rental. For instance, if you search for homes for sale in Lewisburg, WV, you may find some selling at good prices. This may be because the owner doesn’t wish to put in the effort or money to make some critical repairs. These kinds of houses are perfect to pounce at. You can make the needed repairs, and even put in some home improvements that add value. This way, you can sell the house at a profit way above what you put into it.
3. Selling in improving neighborhoods: Some communities develop faster than others. When amenities like roads improve in neighborhoods, this can increase their value. Building structures like hospitals and schools increases the value of surrounding neighborhoods. You can buy a home in such areas and hold onto it until it has attained considerable value. Even better is to live in such a home until it has gained enough value to make a profit off of. Knowing which neighborhoods are best to buy in can be difficult if you don't pay attention to trends. This method can be especially effective when you pair it with flipping. You can buy a home in a developing neighborhood and sell when it is well-established. This can increase profit margins by a significant amount.

Tips for Investing in a Rental Home

Buying a home for a rental property is the most straightforward way to make a home an investment. It takes some time to get your profit off of it, depending on how you decide to finance it. But it is one of the most straightforward ways to make a profit off of a home. Here are some tips to help make your home investment profitable.

• A property manager will make your experience easier but will reduce profits. It’s almost definite that your tenants will have some issues in the home if they live in it long enough. If you don’t have the necessary skills to help out with any repairs or fixes required, you’ll need a property manager. This way, the burden of any issues is off of you, but you’ll have to pay the property manager for their services.
• Down payments are higher than owner-occupied homes. You can get away with paying a tiny percentage for your down payment on a house you plan to occupy. But for a rental property, you’ll need to pay as much as 20% of the total cost of the home. It’s important to know this before getting started.
• Get landlord insurance. This is essential! Damage to your property or injury on the premise due to structural issues will be covered by this. The premium is worth paying to keep your investment profitable.
• The location is very important. When looking for where to buy an investment property, you need to make sure demand is available. Areas that people are actively moving into are perfect, as they need places to live in. Having a rental property ready for occupancy is smart business.

Places like Lewisburg, WV have homes for sale all the time. These homes are perfect for investment opportunities. The best part is that if you fail to make a profit, your money is safe in real estate. Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor, can help you find the perfect homes to get your investment started in.

There’s money to make if you know where to look. Locations like Lewisburg, WV, have potential, but you'll need someone with expertise. Call Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor, at 304-520-2133. She'll find you a home that will be a solid investment.

Almost every home seller looks forward to a fast home sale for their Lewisburg, WV home. Presentation and pricing spell the difference between a sold and unsold house.

Your next question will most likely be, how do I price and present my house to make it more sellable? 

This article answers  this question in detail.

Home selling is as simple as impressing the buyer with  the house and agreeing with the amount you want them to pay. They say the best sellers are those who know what their buyer wants. People look for two things with almost anything they buy: the product's quality and the product’s price. The same rule applies in attracting homebuyers.

The first thing to focus on is presentation. You can improve your Lewisburg home's attractiveness by:

• Repairing what you can.
• Cleaning and decluttering.
• Paying attention to lighting and painting.
• Doing minor renovations.
• Increasing your house's curb appeal.

After working on your home's look, the amount you want to sell it for is the next thing to address. Pricing your home isn't as easy as it seems. It takes more than setting its cost according to what you think is its value. Take note of the following steps to help you price your house right:

• Get a home inspection.
• Research about the nearby home sales.
• Have an experienced real estate agent to guide you.

Read on for an in-depth guide on how to make your house more sellable.

PRESENTATION

The home's appearance is the most crucial factor when it comes to home selling. Preparing your home for viewers, or "staging" as it's called, is essential. It will not only sell your property faster but also add significantly to its value or sale price.

• Curb appeal

They say we shouldn't focus on outward beauty, but that does not apply to the real estate business. In placing your Lewisburg home on the market, you should be able to capture the buyer's attention at first glance. And you can do that by improving your house's curb appeal.

Check how your Lewisburg home looks from the outside and see if there is something you can do to make the house look better. It can be as simple as coating it with new paint or arranging the stone displays in the pathway.

PRICING

Once you are confident with your home's look from the inside and out, the next factor on the list is pricing. Pricing the house is not as simple as adding a few bucks onto how much you originally paid forit. It also isn't about computing how much you spent in the renovation, and adding it to your decided price.

• Home inspection

A home inspection is simply a thorough checking of the condition of a property. It is a vital part of every home sale wherein a qualified home inspector checks the house's overall condition. The inspection may include plumbing, electrical systems, and any other issues that may affect the property's value. That's why the presentation tips we gave you focuses more on functionality and not appearance.

It's usually the buyer that arranges and pays for a home inspection. Based on its findings, they may choose to move on to closing, renegotiate the sale price, request repairs, or cancel the sales contract. Often, though, sellers put  their house through  an inspection even before the buyer does so. That way, they know how they may price the home or if any other repairs need to be done and make it more sellable.