DIY guideRecords and planning

Check whether any permits were left open

Look your address up with the city or town, list any permit that was never closed, and find out what each needs before you sell or renovate.

7 steps

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Many cities and towns let you search permits by address online. If yours doesn't, call or email its building department.
Search the address, and any old address or unit number it had.
Write down each permit still open: its number, the work it covers, and who took it out.
Compare the list with your own permits and invoices: a final sign-off you hold may just be missing from the city's file.
Ask the building department what each one needs to close: often a final inspection, sometimes more work.
Send the list and your papers to Handyman, so the right pro can book what each one needs.
An inspection that finds work to redo, or work done without a permit: ask Handyman for a licensed contractor. Don't open walls or touch wiring yourself.

Handyman says: Work to redo? I'll find a contractor.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.