In New York City the cost of getting permission for remodeling often exceeds the cost of the work itself. Communities that want their built environment to improve over time would do well not to punish remodeling work. They could keep tax reassessment separate from improvement—do it strictly by calendar or only at the time of resale. They could revamp the permit and inspection process to become one of welcome guidance that helps people reduce costs and hassle. The procedure could even be linked to such services as tool-lending from the town library.
