Permits

[uncle sam]

I have a sale where they did new roof, electric, heating, cooling, plumbing, I asked for permits and client says I have no right to ask for permit, are they right?

 

[Thomas Holding]

I have a sale where they did new roof, electric, heating, cooling, plumbing, I asked for permits and client says I have no right to ask for permit, are they right?

You have the right to ask for information about anything that might effect the value of the subject property. If the work performed was done without a permit and it violates any applicable regulations, then it might be of considerable cost to bring the structure into compliance, including removal of walls for inspection, wiring, plumbing, etc. If the work was for an addition, it might be an illegal structure and have to be completely removed. You need this information in order for you to do a credible analysis. Failure to do so might increase your liability.

 

[Thomas Holding]

I have a sale where they did new roof, electric, heating, cooling, plumbing, I asked for permits and client says I have no right to ask for permit, are they right?

You might have better success by asking the local building inspector about any permits pulled on the property. In the counties where I work most inspections departments will gladly give you this information.

 

[Howard Klahr]

I asked for permits and client says I have no right to ask for permit, are they right?

Permits are public records and available through the building dept or the city clerk's office

 

[Mark K]

...I asked for permits and client says I have no right to ask for permit, are they right?

Client or homeowner tells you that?

Not that it matters but I'd think the client would want to know. I can see an owner telling you that.

In either case, permits are generally part of the public records and can be discovered at the office of the local building dept.

If your area is strict about permits you should check and address it accordingly.

 

[CANative]

What Howard said.

 

[Ahhhh Yeahhhh]

If the house didn't have a new roof, heating, cooling, etc would you have asked for the original building permit?

 

[Mark K]

If the house didn't have a new roof, heating, cooling, etc would you have asked for the original building permit?

That's always the question...how far back are you supposed to search before the permit police will accept that you've done your due diligence?

75 yr. old home on its 4th roof? Same house with 200 amp elec. panel updated at some point in the past? 50 yr. old house with 15 yr old furnace/AC? Kitchen remodeled 10-20 yrs. ago? Wood deck on the back? Yard barn? 20-30 yr. old room addition shown on the assessor card but no permit was found? What is an acceptable age for an update before a permit search is unnecessary.

I know the answer varies with locations but if an appraiser believes that permits are a serious issue in their area, it seems that going back to the original building permit is warranted.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

I have a sale where they did new roof, electric, heating, cooling, plumbing, I asked for permits and client says I have no right to ask for permit, are they right?

Municipality?

 

[Ahhhh Yeahhhh]

That's always the question...how far back are you supposed to search before the permit police will accept that you've done your due diligence?

75 yr. old home on its 4th roof? Same house with 200 amp elec. panel updated at some point in the past? 50 yr. old house with 15 yr old furnace/AC? Kitchen remodeled 10-20 yrs. ago? Wood deck on the back? Yard barn? 20-30 yr. old room addition shown on the assessor card but no permit was found? What is an acceptable age for an update before a permit search is unnecessary.

I know the answer varies with locations but if an appraiser believes that permits are a serious issue in their area, it seems that going back to the original building permit is warranted.

Actually... Thats not always the question.

I have never pulled a permit. Never asked or cared if a permit was pulled. Never will pull a permit. If the client is concerned with permits, then the client should research them. Its not our job or responsibility.

Remember... The appraiser that does more than is asked is no different than the low fee skippy.

Do what you are required to do... No more, no less.

NEVER MENTION THE WORD PERMIT IN AN APPRAISAL REPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!