Expanding my property

Member since 2023 · 5 posts · 2 votes

Greetings, got a few questions for local investors/real estate agents in the area. I thinking adding a room on the house I'm currently living in but planning on renting it in the coming future. The room would be approximately 10' by 8' so according to Fort bend county I should not need a permit for this. My plan is to advertise the room as a study/office. Its there a minimum sqft to be able to call a room? Do I need to get a new survey of the house? Does the mortgage company needs to be aware of it? How about the Insurance? The least thing I want is to run into legal problems later or be force to take it all apart the construction will be quite expensive.

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Chris SeveneyBusiness Member

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Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes

@Angel Miranda

If you are renting by the room then it should be considered a bedroom which has specific requirements such as windows, closet etc

I find it hard to believe a county does not require a permit for an addition. Just recognize typically unpermitted work typically is not insurable if there is damage or worse yet an accident - for example a house fire and someone dies / if it’s unpermitted you could be liable

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Eliott Elias
Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2021 · 9k+ posts · 5k+ votes
3y
Who ever told you you don’t need a permit to make an addition is lying. Every party above, that you mentioned needs to know about the addition.
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Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
Moderator
Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
3y
@Angel Miranda
If you are renting by the room then it should be considered a bedroom which has specific requirements such as windows, closet etc
I find it hard to believe a county does not require a permit for an addition. Just recognize typically unpermitted work typically is not insurable if there is damage or worse yet an accident - for example a house fire and someone dies / if it’s unpermitted you could be liable
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Angel Miranda
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Member since 2023 · 5 posts · 2 votes
3y
Quote from @Eliott Elias:

Who ever told you you don’t need a permit to make an addition is lying. Every party above, that you mentioned needs to know about the addition.

Thanks Eliot. According to Fort bend county website, only constructions larger than 100 sqft needs a permit. But I will do a more digging, would love to hear from someone that's more familiar with the county.
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Angel Miranda
OP
Member since 2023 · 5 posts · 2 votes
3y
Quote from @Chris Seveney:

@Angel Miranda
If you are renting by the room then it should be considered a bedroom which has specific requirements such as windows, closet etc
I find it hard to believe a county does not require a permit for an addition. Just recognize typically unpermitted work typically is not insurable if there is damage or worse yet an accident - for example a house fire and someone dies / if it’s unpermitted you could be liable

Thanks Chris. The plan is to move out and rent the whole house. The addition of the room was to increase the value of the house.
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Scott E.
Contractor · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2010 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
3y
Quote from @Angel Miranda:

Quote from @Eliott Elias:

Who ever told you you don’t need a permit to make an addition is lying. Every party above, that you mentioned needs to know about the addition.

Thanks Eliot. According to Fort bend county website, only constructions larger than 100 sqft needs a permit. But I will do a more digging, would love to hear from someone that's more familiar with the county.

This is a question that is specific to your region.

I'm just going to pipe in and say ignore the poster who you just replied to. Unless they have experience building in your exact county, they aren't qualified to advise you with such confidence.
We have similar rules in Scottsdale and in Phoenix regarding small "under roof" spaces. For example, you can build a shed without a permit. But if you're planning on attaching that space to your existing home, that's another story.
A local contractor, draftsman, or architect will be able to guide you here. Or just walk right into the city and ask them.
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Antony Wang
Specialist · Greater Houston · Member since 2022 · 5 posts · 3 votes
3y
Everyone must be aware of this, else you may encounter problems when selling.
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