Adding Bedroom to increase value in appraisal

[BrianInRiverside]

I had a 300 ft work room which had not been added into the sq ft for value when the home was built. It was built with the house. It has a slab floor. I have made it into a bedroom to increase the value of my home so I can refinance it. The room is now finished very nicely with a built in closet, a large opening window, nice carpet, base boards a wall AC and an electric heater. It does have electrical on 2 walls GFI.

I want to refinance and I want the bedroom added into the sq ft of the house and the bedroom counted. Do I need permits before an appraiser can add it for value on a refinance? All I did was put in the closet and the carpet from when the house was built. Any suggestions appreciated. Thank you. Brian

 

[CANative]

Call the planning department and ask if a permit is necessary to do this. If they say yes, then just do the paperwork and get the permit. It will be very helpful to the appraiser and your lender. They like to see permits.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

"a wall AC and an electric heater"

While you are inquiring about a building permit, double check with the Building Dept. and determine if a PERMANENT heat source is required (odds are a portable electric heater will likely not qualify for year round occupancy i.e. not GLA)

 

[CANative]

"a wall AC and an electric heater"

While you are inquiring about a building permit, double check with the Building Dept. and determine if a PERMANENT heat source is required (odds are a portable electric heater will likely not qualify for year round occupancy i.e. not GLA)

A wall AC. And an electric heater. No requirement for AC and he didn't say the electric heater was a portable. In any event it doesn't really get very cold in Riverside.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

http://www.riversideca.gov/building/FAQ-planreview.asp

http://www.riversideca.gov/building/pdf/handouts/PLAN-REQUIRED-FOR-PLAN-CHECK.pdf

http://publicecodes.citation.com/st/ca/st/index.htm

AJ501
http://publicecodes.citation.com/st/ca/st/b400v10/st_ca_st_b400v10_appj_sec009.htm

 

[CANative]

That's the City of Riverside. You should post the link to the County site too. It's in my "bookmarks" but I wouldn't want to spoil your fun.

 

[Elliott]

Brian,
How many bedrooms does the house have already? If it already has 3 bedrooms, I doubt
the extra bedroom has a significant value contribution beyond its value as square footage.
What's was its use before you made it a bedroom? How big is the house.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

That's the City of Riverside. You should post the link to the County site too. It's in my "bookmarks" but I wouldn't want to spoil your fun.

"What building codes are currently in effect in the City of Riverside?

State law requires that all cities and counties in California enforce the building codes as mandated by the California Building Standards Commission. The City of Riverside has adopted by ordinance the following model codes as modified by the Sate of California:"


"Please see the Building & Safety Department's Frequently Asked Questions

A permit is required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, or demolishing a building or structure or installing or altering any equipment which is regulated by the model codes adopted by the County of Riverside.

If you are unable to determine if your work requires a permit, you may contact the Building & Safety permit counter during regular business hours at (951)955-1800."
Please see the Building & Safety Department's Frequently Asked Questions

http://www.tlma.co.riverside.ca.us/CE/content/ce_faqs.aspx

http://rivcocob.com/ords/400/457.pdf << See the State Requirements above which were adopted by the County.

 

[CANative]

If it's in the county he needs a permit to do what he did...

http://www.rctlma.org/building/content/bs_faqs.aspx

Same with the city...

http://www.riversideca.gov/building/FAQ.asp

 

[Jerry Bone Jr]

I had a 300 ft work room

This room was the garage?