A new deck, finished basement, garage, replacement furnace or major remodel can make a home more useful. But before the first board is cut or wall is opened, homeowners should answer one practical question: Does the project require a permit?

That matters whether you plan to stay in the home for years or expect to sell later. Permit and inspection records can become part of the information buyers, inspectors, appraisers and real estate professionals may review when questions arise about improvements.

Minot: More Than New Construction Needs a Permit

The City of Minot requires permits for a variety of residential projects, not just new homes. Residential permitting covers projects such as additions, remodeling, garages, decks and certain accessory buildings.

Minot also uses inspections during residential construction to check items such as foundations, framing, insulation, plumbing and electrical work for applicable code compliance.

For homeowners, the practical lesson is simple: check before beginning the project rather than assuming a permit isn't necessary.

Bismarck: Permits Cover Many Common Home Projects

Bismarck also requires permits for many projects homeowners routinely undertake.

The city's guidance includes additions, renovations and remodels such as basement finishes, decks, sheds, garages, pools, sunrooms and gazebos. Permitting requirements can also apply to electrical, plumbing and HVAC work, including furnaces, water heaters, boilers and air conditioners.

Bismarck instructs property owners to obtain the necessary permit before beginning work.

Why This Can Matter When You Sell

A home improvement can look great and still create questions if there is uncertainty about how the work was completed.

Before listing a home, it is useful to know:

• What major improvements were made
• Approximately when they were completed
• Who performed the work
• Whether required permits and inspections were obtained
• Whether warranties or receipts are still available

Keeping invoices, warranties, plans and permit documentation together can make those questions much easier to answer later.

This doesn't mean every repair or cosmetic improvement requires a permit. Requirements depend on the type of work and the jurisdiction. When you're unsure, checking with the appropriate city department before beginning is generally much easier than trying to resolve the issue afterward.

Thinking About Remodeling Because You Plan to Sell?

There's another question worth asking before committing to a major renovation:

Will buyers value the improvement enough to justify what you're about to spend?

Some projects address an obvious problem that could affect a sale. Others may primarily reflect the current owner's personal preferences without substantially changing what buyers are willing to pay.

If you're planning to sell within the next year or two, consider getting a real estate perspective before committing to an expensive project.

For Minot ND real estate and Bismarck ND real estate, the right preparation depends on the individual property, its condition, competing inventory and likely buyers.

Sometimes a major repair deserves attention. Other times, money may be better spent addressing deferred maintenance, fresh paint, landscaping, cleaning and presentation rather than undertaking a full remodel.

Before You Start, Check With the City

Permit requirements can change and depend on the specific project, so homeowners should verify requirements directly with the appropriate city before beginning work.

Minot homeowners can review the City of Minot's residential permitting and inspection information.

Bismarck homeowners can review the City of Bismarck's permit requirements and application information.

Considering Selling in Minot or Bismarck?

If you're thinking about selling in Minot, Bismarck or the surrounding area and aren't sure which improvements deserve attention before listing, I can help you look at the property from a buyer's perspective.

The goal isn't necessarily to spend more money. It's to identify the improvements that could help the property compete while avoiding projects that may not provide enough benefit to justify the expense.

Contact Darrin Sand, REALTOR®, NextHome Legendary Properties to discuss your property and plans.