Due Diligence & InspectionQuestion 53
What Permits Should I Verify on a Houston Investment Property?
Verify permits for any additions, conversions, major renovations, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work through the City of Houston permitting portal.
Unpermitted work is common in Houston and can create liability, insurance, and resale problems for investors.
- City of Houston portal: Search permits by address at the City's online permitting system.
- What needs permits: Additions, garage conversions, electrical/plumbing/HVAC changes, roofing, foundation repair, fencing over certain heights.
- Red flags: Bedrooms without egress windows, converted garages, added bathrooms, or square footage that doesn't match tax records.
- Impact: Unpermitted work may not be covered by insurance, can affect appraisal values, and creates liability if something goes wrong.
Bottom Line
Always verify permits on any Houston property with obvious modifications. If unpermitted work exists, factor the cost of either permitting retroactively or removing the work into your offer price.