Permit Horror Story!

Securing a permit before any project your begin on your home is extremely important. Check out this story about a man who decided to begin constructing a workshop in his yard without researching and securing the proper permit.

The Problem

"John Thomas (not the real name) purchased a home. Several months after moving in, he decided he wanted a workshop out back where he could pursue his hobby of building furniture. John started building a 20- by 30-foot workshop and had completed it within a couple of months.

Shortly afterward, John received a letter stating that he had built his shop without getting a review of the building plans by the neighborhood association. The letter further stated that his building was not suitable and was to be torn down. John was upset but just ignored the letter, thinking it was the work of a few disgruntled neighbors. Later John received a legal summons and complaint served by the sheriff's department. John would now have to go to court to explain and argue his case.

John showed up in court and pleaded his case to the judge. The judge was polite but read John the specific language in the restrictions that prohibited John from building a workshop without the written consent and approval of the association. John's workshop did not blend in with the homes. The judge ordered John to tear down his workshop.

This was a very costly lesson for John. The workshop had cost him thousands of dollars and he would now need to store his expensive power tools and go back to the committee for approval for another, more pleasing workshop. His entire family now harbors bad feelings for the neighborhood association and they are considering moving simply because John was not aware of the neighborhood restrictions."

Lesson Learned

"John should have had his agent or lawyer obtain a complete set of restrictions and covenants for the subdivision and he should have read them very carefully. If he had done so, he would have known that he needed to take his building plans to the neighborhood committee for review. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, get approval in writing and follow your plans to the letter. While they may be inconvenient at times, neighborhood restrictions are actually a good thing because they help preserve the value of homes in the neighborhood. Don't become a John Thomas. Research and review your restrictions and make sure to get a building permit once the board approves your plans."

Before you being a project, contact us at Your Permit Solution to secure the necessary permits and avoid the situation John found himself in.  

Source: BuyandSellDallas