Expert: Ray Beggs - 9/23/2007

Question
We are planning to buy this house which has had its windows changed and kitchen and bath remodeled without permits (as per disclosure). Chences are that we might not be able to get permits. Should we go into such a deal? Its a highly desirable area.

Answer
Hi RB, (I like those initials!)

I can't really tell you if you should go into the deal, but I can give you some info that may help you make a better decision. First off, many homes have different things done to them over the years without permits. In some cities, you're supposed to get a permit to paint, so it's not uncommon at all to see something not permitted.
That being said, you've got to have the non permitted construction checked out thoroughly by a home inspector because you don't have the benefit of knowing that a city inspector looked at it at some point and cleared it. Also, you have to remember that you will have to disclose to the next buyer the fact that there are things that don't have a permit for and you have to take into account that this may scare some buyers off and it may force you to take a lower price.

Bottomline, I would make sure that you have the whole house, along with the non permitted items, thoroughly inspected by a home inspector and I would make sure that I factor the non permitted items into my offer to the seller.

Best of luck to you,

Ray  (RB)

P.S. My home has a couple of non permitted items in it.