Home prices in Denver soared more in April 2021 than in an entire year—up 24.20%. In April 2021, Denver Metro listings were 2,594. That’s a two-week supply, according to Real Estate experts who call this a seller’s market.

But sellers beware. If you’ve performed updates to your home without a building permit, you could be in for a shock.

Resale value can be affected if you’ve performed work without a permit. Sellers are required to complete disclosures about the property including any unpermitted work. If a seller fails to disclose unpermitted work, the buyer can sue later for damages.

If you want a refi while interest rates remain low, you’ll need an appraisal. Work done without a permit can disqualify you from a loan. Or your insurance company can refuse to pay for damages caused by unpermitted remodeling work. Say someone claims a slip and fall in the remodeled room, it’s possible the incident may not be covered under your homeowner’s policy.

Finally, when the city learns of your unpermitted work, you can be fined. And you can be required to remove walls, etc. to expose the work performed for an inspection. Then there’s the penalties.

The State Electrical Board issues permits and performs inspections except in a few counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Chaffee, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, El Paso, Jefferson, Pitkin, Pueblo, Routt, Summit, Teller, and Weld. The only exception is when the electrical is being performed on public schools and state buildings.

An electrical permit must be obtained prior to installing electrical wiring.

If you’re a homeowner doing your own wiring, you can pull the permit if the property is not for sale, resale, rent, or is not open to the public. And the work needs to be inspected prior to covering with insulation, drywall, etc., and again upon completion before occupancy.

When an electrical contractor is performing the work, the permit must be pulled by that contractor, not another and not by the homeowner.

Of course, the main reason for inspections is safety. Surges, fire and shocks are caused by loose wires and faults. The cumulative effect of unpermitted work over the years can pose a real safety risk to your family.

Contact Allstar Electrical today for a job done right.