The importance of having approved building plans.
Most property owners are not really aware of this. The law requires that one should have approved building plans for any permanent building extensions that you are planning to embark on. In fact, if your property is still mortgaged with a financial institution, it is a requirement that the mortgage holder should grant you permission for the building extensions to take place. This process requires you to submit a copy of the approved building plans, drafted by a registered architect prior to commencing on your building extension project. This process serves to protect your asset by ensuring that you build according to the municipal laws, your title deed conditions and well as your community aesthetics. Look on the bright side, your property value increases pleasantly well.
In the many cases that I have come across, as a Property Practitioner; most property owners do not have the necessary approvals in place. This not only put your asset value in jeopardy, but also can result in a waste of resources if you have not build observing your title deed conditions or your local municipal requirements. The prospective purchasers also tend to shy away from a property that does not comply. There is just no security in investing in a property that might not be structurally sound.
I advise that when you decide to put your property on the market, be certain that you have complied with your local building regulations, keep your approved building plans, engineer certificates and occupancy certificate handy as well.