Importance Of Pulling Permits

Why Pulling Permits Matters When Renovating Your Home

At Boston Connect Real Estate, we believe every move should be a moving experience—and that includes the renovations that prepare a home for sale or improve your living space. On a recent episode of Talk Real Estate Roundtable, hosts Melissa Wallace and Tracy Grady—longtime real estate professionals and community insiders—discussed a topic every homeowner should understand: the importance of pulling permits before beginning home improvement projects.

Why Permits Matter

Permits aren’t just paperwork—they're essential for ensuring safety, maintaining property value, and preventing costly complications down the road. Tracy, who spent over 14 years working in the Pembroke Building Department and now serves on the zoning and planning team in Hanover, shared insights from both the municipal and real estate perspectives.

“A permit is essentially the town granting permission for you to do certain work on your home,” Tracy explained. “It ensures that your project complies with building codes and safety standards.”

What Requires a Permit?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn just how many common improvements require permits. From installing a new deck or pool to replacing windows or even finishing a basement, permits play a key role in validating that work has been done correctly—and legally.

While some smaller jobs like painting or replacing flooring may not need a permit, any structural, plumbing, or electrical changes typically do. Tracy emphasized that while homeowners can pull some permits themselves (like for basic construction), electrical and plumbing work must be done by licensed professionals.

The Risk of Skipping the Process

Skipping permits can come back to haunt you, especially when it's time to sell your home. Buyers (and their agents) may review a home’s “jacket” at the local town hall—a file that includes a history of all permits pulled on the property. If major renovations don’t appear in that file, buyers may walk away or request retroactive permitting, which can delay or derail a transaction.

In towns like Pembroke, records are still maintained in paper form due to historical setbacks (like the town hall fire of 1978), which makes it even more important to maintain accurate, up-to-date records on your own improvements.

Best Practices for Homeowners

1. Ask before you act: Check with your local building department to confirm if a permit is needed for your planned project.

2. Use licensed professionals: Ensure contractors are properly licensed and have them pull the necessary permits.

3. Keep copies: Always retain documentation for your records—and future buyers.

4. Think ahead: Permits aren’t just for today—they help protect the future value of your home.

Real-Life Insight from the Field

Tracy also shared a heartwarming story from a recent closing: a young couple buying their dream home in Plymouth, complete with a pool, ocean views, and a fenced-in dog run for their 158-pound pup, Blue. Thanks to clean records and transparent permitting, the sale was smooth and stress-free—exactly what every real estate transaction should be.

Whether you’re planning a small upgrade or a full-scale renovation, Boston Connect Real Estate is here to guide you through every step—including the paperwork. For personalized advice or a one-on-one consultation, connect with our team today.

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