10/09/2026
Headline: Why the "Sequence" of Home Renovations Matters More Than You Think 🔨🏡
I spent my morning sitting in on a local Construction Board of Appeals public meeting, and it was an incredible reminder of how complex municipal property codes can be.
When doing structural renovations or additions, many homeowners don't realize that building codes require a very strict sequence of events.
In Michigan, a municipal building department is legally required to perform "rough-in" inspections. This means inspectors must visually verify the structural framing, support headers, rough electrical, and plumbing before any drywall or insulation is installed.
If renovations are completed without these mandatory checkpoint inspections, a municipality can legally require the drywall to be removed so they can verify the hidden structural safety of the building before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy.
This may seem like a power & control issue to the outside public. It is actually a safety issue. There are many homes in Michigan with serious structural issues hiding from new home owners buying older homes. Many homes have outdated electrical, plumbing, etc. In some cases they were built incorrectly originally by the owner over 25, 50, even 75 years ago because no one pulled permits then. The homeowner might have done DIY and actually caused the fire hazard. I personally have inspected homes with plugs working fine, but were wired incorrectly. This caused charring inside that homeowners never see until a fire devastates them. This is what causes hidden fire hazards that lead to families losing everything or hidden plumbing & mold issues that later are discovered only after $10's of $1,000's in damages.
As a real estate professional, attending these public meetings keeps my knowledge sharp. When helping my clients buy or sell properties, understanding the backend mechanics of building permits and local enforcement helps me ensure that every transaction is smooth, compliant, and protected from day one.
Thinking about a future renovation or looking at homes with recent updates? Let’s connect to make sure your investment is handled the right way!
💼 Blaine Trarop
🏢 CENTURY 21 Signature Realty
📧 [email protected]
📩 Or send me a direct text message right here at 989-397-3567!
