questions on building permits and tax assesors

[Dznypal]

A few months ago we had new windows put in the house--

a few weeks later we get a letter from the tax assorers saying that a building permit was pulled for our house and since that was done they want to come in and reassess the house?!!!!

great--thats never a good thing--

first of all we didnt even know the permit was pulled or even needed--it wasnt when we had the roof replaced about 5 yrs ago

and if a permit was needed or in our case pulled shouldnt we the home owners be told of it

Im not to happy with the customer service of the window people

when I called the assorers office he said its totally up to us to have them come in--but if we say no they will just re-assess on the assumption
which sounds like a half-*** backwards of doing things--yet this is for the city of Milwaukee--which isnt the brightest bulb on the tree!!!

any have any thoughs--first off we didnt like the fact we didnt know a permit was even needed let alone pulled without being told

and we really didnt do much to the house the biggest was the roof and now windows--but the city is so strapped for money Im sure our taxes will go up

As far as this permit goes also--we replaced--its not like we added a room or remodeled

thanks all

 

[Janepod]

A few months ago we had new windows put in the house--

a few weeks later we get a letter from the tax assorers saying that a building permit was pulled for our house and since that was done they want to come in and reassess the house?!!!!

great--thats never a good thing--

first of all we didnt even know the permit was pulled or even needed--it wasnt when we had the roof replaced about 5 yrs ago

and if a permit was needed or in our case pulled shouldnt we the home owners be told of it

Im not to happy with the customer service of the window people

when I called the assorers office he said its totally up to us to have them come in--but if we say no they will just re-assess on the assumption
which sounds like a half-*** backwards of doing things--yet this is for the city of Milwaukee--which isnt the brightest bulb on the tree!!!

any have any thoughs--first off we didnt like the fact we didnt know a permit was even needed let alone pulled without being told

and we really didnt do much to the house the biggest was the roof and now windows--but the city is so strapped for money Im sure our taxes will go up

As far as this permit goes also--we replaced--its not like we added a room or remodeled

thanks all

Some towns do require permits for replacement windows. Our town doesn't, but two towns over does. Even same size window in existing frame. Weird.

I assume any reputable installer would therefore pull a permit. Wouldn't their licensing be in jeopardy if they didn't? It's unfortunate they didn't tell you though.

Every town I know of requires a permit for a new roof.

Check your local codes.

 

[ilovemk76]

A few months ago we had new windows put in the house--

a few weeks later we get a letter from the tax assorers saying that a building permit was pulled for our house and since that was done they want to come in and reassess the house?!!!!

great--thats never a good thing--

first of all we didnt even know the permit was pulled or even needed--it wasnt when we had the roof replaced about 5 yrs ago

and if a permit was needed or in our case pulled shouldnt we the home owners be told of it

Im not to happy with the customer service of the window people

when I called the assorers office he said its totally up to us to have them come in--but if we say no they will just re-assess on the assumption
which sounds like a half-*** backwards of doing things--yet this is for the city of Milwaukee--which isnt the brightest bulb on the tree!!!

any have any thoughs--first off we didnt like the fact we didnt know a permit was even needed let alone pulled without being told

and we really didnt do much to the house the biggest was the roof and now windows--but the city is so strapped for money Im sure our taxes will go up

As far as this permit goes also--we replaced--its not like we added a room or remodeled

thanks all

I think you got lucky with the roof. It is possible a permit was issued but you did not know. You only knew about the windows because of the new assessment.

Around here, there is minimum dollar amount in a certain period of time, before a permit is needed. The permit needs to be available if an inspector comes over. Some put it on display, but it is not a requirement.

 

[sam_gordon]

I'd also check your paperwork with the window place. I'm guessing there's a line in there about them getting "any necessary permits". If the window place would have told you they were going to get permits, would you have cancelled the order?

And your taxes don't go up, the assessed value of your house does. Yes, that's a technicality, but the truth. If your taxes went up, you'd pay more even if your house was valued the same.

 

[badblackpug]

It all sounds pretty par for the course.

You are better off if you let them in to assess. They will rake you aver the coals if you don't.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

In impressed the window company got the permit at all. Lots of contractors and company's put that on the owner or just don't have it done at all.

 

[tvguy]

I think you got lucky with the roof. It is possible a permit was issued but you did not know. You only knew about the windows because of the new assessment.

I thing most communities require a permit for a roof. Windows, I don't know. But I know my community requires a permit for even replacing a water heater.

As for a reassessment, I guess that depends on a lot of things. So many people here are DEMANDING a reassessment there is a one year wait. Housing values have plunged about 50% in the last 7 or 8 years, people want that reflected in their assessment and want a cut in their property taxes.

 

[kandb]

You can go to town hall and see what you are taxed on (how many b/r and bathrooms, any upgrades etc.), if it seems that your accessment is under of what it should be, I wouldn't let them in the house, if it seems the same or higher, then let them in. They might just add some stuff on if you don't let them in.