No building permits obtained

[Fernando]

Prepandemic I would check on permits especially going to physical building if not obtainable from internet.
I notice that buyers and agents don't really check on the permits when they make the offer. Smart listing agent put burden on buyer to verify assessors records.
My point is many buyers if see the improvements are acceptable, they don't bother about permits especially if the work was done many years ago and appear working condition.

I still remember one appraisal I did many years ago in which I didn't give that much adjustment for a renovated beautiful kitchen because I said permits weren't on city file.
If I had to do it all over again, I'll give it back more value. It's what the market perceives and is acceptable.

 

[sputnam]

With the attitude "we aren't the (blank) police"....
(I'm not disagreeing the point)....
Why the need to complete an onsite/interior inspection....

The vast majority (probably over 98%) of subject properties that I have inspected have minimal to no issues that have impacted their appraised value....
Condition, quality, additions, remodeled, etc....

You inspect the subject property because, unless you do, you don't actually know what is there.

 

[DTB]

i don't think l&i will issue permits for work that is already done. are they then going to ask for any walls to be ripped out to see how things were done. i asked an inspector about a brick veneer wall done without a permit. he said there was nothing that he could do, he didn't see how it was done. wha? but, if they catch you doing a rehab in this city without permits they will shut you down for a year.

This is why people go the unpermitted route. They figure they won't be found out. They don't want to deal with the red tape and delays when in the end it will only cost them a small fine if found out. The permitting process fosters exactly the opposite of what the local government is trying to achieve.

Had a young couple as neighbors, they wanted to convert an already enclosed breezeway into living area. (60 year old house). The process took forever for 12 x 15 area. Each inspector came and said something similar. Looks good to me but... and each but was different and often contrary to the prior inspector. Finally finished and the neighbor, who is a do it by the book type, says "If I had known what a hassle this was going to be I would never have gotten a permit". Next time grasshopper will know to complete the exterior over a weekend and put up heavy curtains when doing the interior.

 

[ucbruin]

This is why people go the unpermitted route. They figure they won't be found out. They don't want to deal with the red tape and delays when in the end it will only cost them a small fine if found out. The permitting process fosters exactly the opposite of what the local government is trying to achieve.

Had a young couple as neighbors, they wanted to convert an already enclosed breezeway into living area. (60 year old house). The process took forever for 12 x 15 area. Each inspector came and said something similar. Looks good to me but... and each but was different and often contrary to the prior inspector. Finally finished and the neighbor, who is a do it by the book type, says "If I had known what a hassle this was going to be I would never have gotten a permit". Next time grasshopper will know to complete the exterior over a weekend and put up heavy curtains when doing the interior.

Disclaimer....
I am not pure as I broke federal/state laws pertaining to illegal drug us hundreds if not thousands of times during the 70's and 80's....
But since I'm not a "thank you for your service, you're a hero" type guy (and I don't know if you are either)....
I guess that makes sense that I didn't follow law regarding illegal drugs....

But for all of the "thank you for your service, you're a hero" type guys/gals it amazes me how many condone breaking/not following laws/rules/regulations/etc....

 

[DTB]

Disclaimer....
I am not pure as I broke federal/state laws pertaining to illegal drug us hundreds if not thousands of times during the 70's and 80's....
But since I'm not a "thank you for your service, you're a hero" type guy (and I don't know if you are either)....
I guess that makes sense that I didn't follow law regarding illegal drugs....

But for all of the "thank you for your service, you're a hero" type guys/gals it amazes me how many condone breaking/not following laws/rules/regulations/etc....

Not sure how relevant much of that post is (my fault, not yours LOL) I find very few rules/laws to be bright lines. Most are more of a guideline for me and I try to follow the intent of the regulation but not the exact letter of the law.

 

[Mark K]

...(you are aware that the first thing they do is pull permits, right?)

And you are aware that there are areas in the US that don't require building permits, right? There are counties in this state that didn't require permits until about 10 years ago. All of those houses are covered by insurance.

Lender says hey get that appraiser in here because he noticed faulty work and found out it was not inspected by the county and didn't tell us. E&O company says hey appraiser, read your policy, don't call us. When I see obvious flawed new repair work you damn right I'm asking questions. I don't mind paying for my house but hell no I'm not paying for someone else's.

Some appraisers make up the most fantastic scenarios. I would love to see an actual citation of one instance where your above scenario has occurred, in reality, not in some made-up 'what-if' world.

 

[Fernando]

In some locales, the permit fees are excessively high. No wonder home prices are high here. The government fees tacked on increase new construction.

 

[mp2277]

And you are aware that there are areas in the US that don't require building permits, right? There are counties in this state that didn't require permits until about 10 years ago. All of those houses are covered by insurance.



Some appraisers make up the most fantastic scenarios. I would love to see an actual citation of one instance where your above scenario has occurred, in reality, not in some made-up 'what-if' world.

Let me make sure I understand you... As an appraiser you don't think faulty work done illegally affects value?

 

[DTB]

Let me make sure I understand you... As an appraiser you don't think faulty work done illegally affects value?

Why would you assume the work is faulty? Because no permits? Silly.

 

[glenn walker]

I dont care LMAO