R
eal estate ads frequently tout updated kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, but once a home goes on the market a key question arises: were all the necessary permits obtained? “If you’re exposing drywall, you need a permit,” says Frank Gucciardo, managing partner of PKAD Architecture and Design in Hicksville. Homeowners who want a smooth sale should not assume a project is exempt from permitting; builders can mislead or leave permits open.

    Real‑estate agents warn that even temporary structures can trigger permit requirements. Tracy Boucher of Signature Premier Properties recounts a client who had a certificate of occupancy (CO) for one shed but owned a second on a Lindenhurst lot. The second, a plastic Rubbermaid shed, violated village rules that allow only one shed. Removing it and correcting other infractions forced the title company to redo a search, delaying the closing by two weeks and pushing the transaction to the bottom of the queue.

    Whether a permit is needed depends on local regulations and the specific work. Long Beach realtor and expeditor Josh Goldfeder explains that mother‑daughter homes—single‑family houses with two living spaces—often have permits that do not transfer to buyers. A new owner must secure a fresh permit for the arrangement. Similarly, a finished basement lacking an egress window is a violation that the buyer must fix, even if the seller had a permit. “The town isn’t assigning blame; it just wants a proper CO to protect public health and safety,” Gucciardo notes.

    In Lindenhurst, agent Johnny Tiburzi observed that a client who had lived on the property for six decades discovered violations after listing. A bay window, a shed without a CO, and a sunroom in the back were all flagged. The village withheld the municipal search until the violations were addressed. Boucher’s clients faced a similar issue when a prior owner had renovated a window without a permit; the village would not release occupancy information until the problem was resolved.

    Goldfeder also highlights that many homeowners overlook permits for driveways, pools, decks, fences, and bedroom conversions. “Adding a driveway without a new CO is a common oversight,” he says. While correcting permit issues can be straightforward, it can also delay a sale if not handled promptly. Goldfeder advises sellers to disclose any known violations, allowing buyers to make informed decisions.

    In short, permits are a critical, often overlooked component of real‑estate transactions. Homeowners should verify that all renovations have the proper documentation, and agents should guide clients through the permitting process to avoid costly delays and ensure a smooth closing.