It could fully comply with zoning and still lack a building permit for the finished attic.
Finished attic no permit.
This is a huge difference that i learned the hard way.
In rare cases especially in new construction homes the attic may have been built unfinished with the correct flooring in place with the idea that the homeowner could later on finish the space.
Part 2 of my story please understand the difference between a unfinished attic finished attic and half story.
Don t even think about doing an attic expansion without pulling a permit.
While the legal requirements for permits depends on your jurisdiction and the nature of the renovation here are five pitfalls you may encounter if you try renovating without a permit.
It sounds like you are the purchaser.
That is a referrence to zoning not building permits.
To pull a permit you ll need to a detailed plan that s been reviewed by a licensed structural engineer architect.
Permit requirements vary from city to city so consult your city s building department for full requirements.
The question becomes what should you do as a buyer or seller when you find work that has been completed without permits.
Getting a permit for your construction.
It does have a door from my daughter s bedroom that we use as storage.
In most cases though the joists cannot support live loads and may not even be covered with boards.
I have an unfinished space above my garage that i always thought was an attic.
Preparing a site plan for the project.
When a house is for sale and has a finished attic that didn t apply for a permit from the county how should you proceed with the sale.
That ll just come back to haunt you when it s time to sell your home.
Completing a permit application.
Before you decide whether to get a permit assess the process and cost involved in doing so.
My answer is always a resounding yes if it is required.