No Building Permits....Help!

[Dee Dee]

To all,
Brother says that the framing looks good, other than a few minor things that he thinks would be an easy fix with almost no expense. As for the foundation, the lady that owns the home is sure it has proper footings but wasn't positive. Brother says that it would be easy enough to dig around the foundation to see how deep the footings go, but since the ground is frozen right now it might take some serious back work to accomplish that. Bummer...but necessary. Looks like I'll be busy tomorrow since hubby has to go to work tomorrow and bro has to go home tonight.
Guess after that's done it's all up to my bank.
The more I look this place over the more confident I'm becoming. As long as this place can get the permits and pass code I'd bet my beloved appraisers license I could sell it within a week with no additional work for at least $20,000 more than I'm paying for it. Can't see how I could lose. If I don't, someone else surely will...and THAT would make me go crazy.
Thanks for all of your input...it's definately made me feel more comfortable hearing advice that backs up what I already suspected and was hoping you'd agree with.

Dee Dee

 

[MAC]

First of all her credit is shot already. Forclosure only gives her 6 months redempion. I would get an electrician, plumber, you have the framer, and a HAVAC person out to inspect. Pay them yourself. You want no suprises when you purchase. When they come out get bids to finish it. Know where you stand. When you close than YOU pull the permit. I would think you could paly dum with the building dept. "The former owner put on the addition and didn't pull a permit? ? ? Well let me pull one RIGHT NOW :idea: :idea:[/quote]

 

[Dee Dee]

Mac,
We have an electrician friend who is going to try to take a look at the current wiring sometime this week. My brother pointed out a couple of minor problems that he noticed that could easily be fixed before a county inspector sees it. My biggest concern at this point is if the foundation is up to code, because it would be the biggest expense to fix. I'll be digging around the edges today to see how deep the footings go down to determine for myself if this might become an issue. My brother said that it looked like the guy who built the addition knew what he was doing and did everything right, so he would be very surprised if the foundation part didn't check out correctly as well. I certainly hope he's right.
Thanks for the input.

 

[George Hatch]

Dee Dee,

Some contractors seem to have an aversion to getting permits for their own homes.....

It's not at all uncommon for an appraiser to roll into the zoning authority's office and ask them about their policies regarding such issues. You don't need to identify the specific property. The zoning and planning departments should be able to give you a general idea of what's involved so you can make an informed decision. I don't think you should purchase the property until you get a reasonable idea of the cost to cure and any legal ramifications for whoever is in possession when these deficiencies come to light. Some jurisdictions require unpermitted improvements to be immediately demolished. In dealing with the zoning dept., you should avoid misrepresenting your interests in this property. It would be better to decline to identify.

Insurance for the entire structure, even the permitted portions, may be hard to come by if there is an unpermitted addition connected. What would happen if a fire started in the unpermitted addition and then spread to the existing structure? Even if it started in the permitted portion, the burden of proof would still rest with the owner to prove that it happened that way.

"I'm thinking of purchasing a property that I suspect may have an unpermitted addition. What is your department's policy for obtaining the necessary permits and what kinds of allowable time periods, fees and penalties would I be looking at?".

 

[Dee Dee]

George,
I'd really like to find out what the county's policies are on this type of thing before I get in too deep. It's making me nuts trying to second guess what their reaction might be and what they'll expect from me.
I'll call them tomorrow and question them exactly the way you suggested...it's perfect! Thank you!

Dee Dee