Legalizations, Building Permits, and Certificate of Occupancy

Title companies and mortgage companies are insisting that all home improvements done without a building permit must be legalized before granting clear title. Homeowners need to contact an architect for plans and proceed to file for a building permit to legalized existing conditions. Many towns have fines for unfiled improvements even if the improvement was present when current owner purchased home many years before. Often, plumbing and electrical inspects must be obtained also before a certificate of occupancy (sometimes also known as certificate of compliance) is issued on the residence.