Permits- A Must Have Before Any Projects

When completing home projects not everyone thinks about getting a permit.  However if you visit the city you live in you might find out that there are more items you actually need a permit for than no permit required.  Some permits are free or very minimal. The city would like to know about all updates so they can potentially up your taxes and to insure the work was completed in a workman like manor.  They typically inspect the items once completed to make sure they are to the original scope. Find your city below to see what your city requires.  If you don't obtain a permit you could be fined, which is more costly than the original permit.  Also for additions you will have issues refinancing or counting square footage if you do not receive a permit from the city.  This can be extremely important, especially if you are spending thousands you want to make sure the square footage is counted.  This will come up when you have your home refinanced or go to sell your home.  For more information check out the below info and visit the cities websites or visit the city buildings to obtain more information.

Overland Park,KS and Lenexa

Building permits are required for the following projects:

-constructing, enlarging, altering or demolishing a structure or space including new structures, additions, sign support systems, decks, fences, pools, etc.

-changing the use of a building or space regardless of construction operations

-installing or replacing any building wiring or equipment, including, but not limited to branch circuits, electrical panels, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, etc.

Permit Exceptions

A building permit is not required for routine maintenance such as replacing plumbing and lighting fixtures, carpeting, painting, installing cabinets and shelving.

Visit the city website to obtain a permit for Overland Park.

Visit the city website to obtain a permit for Lenexa.

Olathe

Building permits required for:

-Room additions

-interior remodel

-garage (attached/detached) carports, sheds over 200 sqft, decks above 30”, deck with a roof covering, patio roof covering, gazebo, pools (in-ground and above ground)

Visit the city website to obtain a permit for Olathe. 

Leawood

The city of Leawood requires permits for just about anything done on the home, including paying to have an estate sale, replacing a water heater and any plumbing.  To see a complete list or to obtain a permit, check out the Leawood website.

Prairie Village

Permits are required for:

Additions, attic finish, basement finish, a/c furnace, chimney/fireplace rebuild, demolition, ductwork (new), electrical, fence/retaining walls, foundations, gas lines, garage, generator, handicap ramp, heat pump, hot tub, lawn irrigation, remodel, re-roof, she 120 sq ft max, solar panels, sump pump, swimming pools and tennis courts, water heater

Visit the city website to obtain a permit for Prairie Village.

Mission

Permits are required for most renovation or construction including alterations to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.

Exceptions:

May include minor non-structural exterior repairs, interior finish work, and flat work such as sidewalks and driveways.

Visit the city website to obtain a permit for Mission, KS.

Shawnee

Permits are required for basement finishes, block parties, decks, electrical plumbing, fence, lawn sprinkler, pool or hot tub, retaining walls

Visit the city website to obtain a permit for Shawnee.

Baby Proof your Home

Below are just a few precaution you may want to consider taking if you have a little one, this list is not exclusive but a good start:

Make sure your hot water is below 120 degrees to reduce scalding water.

Make sure you have new batteries in your smoke detectors and  Carbon-monoxide detectors.

Place a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, out of reach of small children.

Place plastic caps in the electrical outlets to insure children don’t put their hands in the electrical outlets.

Place safety gates at the head and/or foot of the stairs.

Dishwashers-  make sure knives and forks are pointed down and detergent is not added until the dishwasher is ran.

 

Place stove knob covers to prevent burners from being able to turn burners on.

 

Keep all detergents and cleaning supplies in top cabinets, along with plastic baggies or paper bags. (choking hazards)  If you do not have enough upper cabinet space make sure you have proper safety latches that will keep out your child.

 

Make sure cords from small appliances are not dangling at the reach of a small child.

Place cushioned corner guards on all sharp edges such as coffee tables, fireplace edges, side table, etc.

If you have the ability to purchase cordless blinds they would be ideal, at minimum make sure the cords are placed higher up out of reach.

 

Finger-pinch guards help for hinges on doors

Place locks on the toilets.

Make sure all plants are placed higher up and out of reach.

Cover Radiators and heating vents to prevent burns.

All of these precautions should be done before your baby can start crawling, some can be done before they start walking.  Better to over proof then risk an injury.  If there are things that look tempting to your baby they will grab and pull.  Make sure all book shelves and furniture not attached to the wall is secured, to prevent them from falling over.  You may want to hire a professional child proofer to take over your home.

How Much Home Can You Afford?

How much home can I afford?

This calculator computes the most expensive house you can buy based on the highest payment you can afford, but does not indicate whether you would qualify for the loan.

Monthly Payment Information
	Highest payment you can afford (include all taxes, fees, dues, insurance, etc.)
Payment Breakdown
	Monthly insurance and other costs
	Annual property tax	%$
	Monthly association dues (if any)
Loan Information
	Down payment	%$
	Loan term	MonthsYears
	Interest rate
Personal Information
	Combined state and federal tax rate

Show payment schedule without getting the tax benefit
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You can afford a home worth $229,474.11 without getting the tax benefit.
However, you can afford a home worth $284,561.73 with the tax benefit.

Click here to find out what you can AFFORD.