Cary, NC Real Estate, Unpermitted Improvements in Cary

Earlier, in Home Improvements and Hiring Contractors in North Carolina, I mentioned unpermitted home improvements. 

It is a timely subject.  Every week we see homes come on the market, or take buyers to homes that appear to have finished space that was not permitted or inspected by the Town of Cary Inspections and Permits Department.

This is not legitimate space that can properly be figured into the home's living space.  If a fire starts in an improperly finished living space, and is blamed on uninspected electrical work, the homeowner may find that the insurance company can deny their claim.

What to do?

Face up to the problem, pull a permit, and get the space inspected and signed off.  The homeowner should go to the Inspections and Permits Department at Town Hall and apply for a permit.  Then tell the clerk that this is for an area that was previously finished.  You will probably need to have electrical, HVAC, and structural inspections performed.

Ask for a "Multi-trades Inspector."  This is an inspector who can look at work done by various tradesmen, and will expedite the process.  This is more efficient than having separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural inspectors come out, all with different appointments.

Will the inspector ask for walls to be torn out to inspect work that has been covered up?  Possibly.  It depends on what he finds as he goes along.  Quite often, if all work appears to meet codes, and different areas are viewable, the inspector may go out on a limb and pass the project without major tear out.  If it is an obvious sloppy job done with little skill, there may be a large tear out and repair job ahead.

Bottom line?  Pull permits and have inspections performed for projects.  And if you have areas that were not inspected, get thos issues cleared up prior to marketing the home.

For the real estate agent: Make sure you have measured accurately, and beware the unpermitted attic, basement, or bonus room, whether you are working with the Buyer or the Seller.  You are responsible for helping people buy what is Listed and advertised.  Be sure it is accurate.  Check the Wake County tax website and see if permits were pulled.  a large discrepancy between the tax site amount and your measured amount may indicate unpermitted space.