Does Your Home Violate Building Codes?

Kimberly Bean
Kimberly Bean
Published on March 21, 2018

If you’re planning to list your home during the Southern Maryland spring selling season, there’s no time to waste!

There’s lots to do to prepare your home for sale, including being aware of any possible code violations in your home. Building codes change all the time, and in many cases, older houses will be grandfathered when new codes take place.

Home repair guru Bob Vila points out 10 code violations that might be in your home. Here are four from his list that you might want to pay attention to if you’re trying to sell your home:

  • Lack of GFCI outlets: In rooms that are subject to moisture – kitchens, laundry rooms, or bathrooms, for example – codes require these types of outlets that prevent electric shock.
  • Wiring connections outside junction boxes: If you’ve installed a new light fixture, outlet, or ceiling fans, know that wire connections should be houses in a junction box. These boxes are made of metal or plastic and attached to a wall stud. They help reduce the risk of house fire.
  • Not enough smoke detectors: New homes have to have hardwired smoke detectors. Older homes are OK with battery-operated ones. Put them in each bedroom and in hallways.
  • Renovations made without permits: Major home renovations need to be permitted. If you made a nonstructural or minor change, you don’t need a permit. But major work or structural work need a permit. You can call the local building authority to make sure your renovation or remodel doesn’t need a permit.

See the rest of Bob Vila’s list here.

You don’t want to give buyers any reason to think twice about your home. Most code violations won’t stop the sale of your home, but they could slow it down – especially if the buyer asks you do make repairs to bring things up to code.

Ready to talk about listing your Southern Maryland home for sale? Give me a call!

Brandywine MD Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services in Southern Maryland. You now have a search engine to help you with your Southern Maryland home search! And I’m ready to provide you with a custom home valuation if you’re considering selling your home. Let’s connect to discuss how I can help you. Contact Kimberly Bean at 301-440-1309

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