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.