Unpermitted Work

An addition, enclosed porch or altered interior may need investigation before you can decide how to proceed. Describe the work, when it was done and any concerns raised during a sale, inspection or permit review.

Engineering help may be needed to document existing conditions, evaluate proposed corrections or respond to questions about work that lacks approved drawings.

Confirm the engineering scope with the professional you engage and any permit requirements with the local building department.

• Investigating alterations discovered during a property purchase
• Establishing the condition of a converted garage with no drawings

Related permit topics include after the fact, as-built permit, change of occupancy, change of use, code compliance and conversion.

This page does not say whether a permit is required. Ask the local building department which approvals and documents your project needs.

• unpermitted work

Start with a short description. These details can help define the scope, but you do not need everything ready to request a quote.

• The project city or county, and the property address if known
• What you want to build, change or repair
• How the space or site is used now and what you plan to change
• Whether you have drawings or photos to share during follow-up
• The status of any permit application and comments received
• Your target dates or other scheduling constraints

• Permit Corrections
• After-the-Fact Permits
• Change of Use / Occupancy
• Commercial Alteration Engineering

Terms that may appear in plans, permit comments or contractor conversations about this work.

• after the fact
• as-built permit
• change of occupancy
• change of use
• code compliance
• conversion
• occupancy change
• permit correction