I know of a couple in another state that employed a contractor to remodel their basement. The contractor worked for several weeks always making a minimum amount of noise, picking up after him self, and seemingly using the best in materials. When he was finished, the job looked perfect. The air conditioning functioned well; the drywall and paint that had been applied looked wonderful; there were plenty of electrical sockets to plug in to. Carpeting, tile, bedroom and bathroom seemed flawless. In fact, the couple lived there another year, found another home, purchased it and moved in. Then they put there home up for sale. It all happened precisely in the order just stated.
The housing market had been moving very slowly, so they waited for an offer - one month, two, three, and four passed by and no one had even walked thru. Finally during the fifth month of their listing they had a walk thru and shortly after, an offer for only $5,000 less than they were asking with NO additional money to be given the buyers out of the seller's pockets. Knowing they were in the midst of a major recession and fortunate to even have an offer, the sellers were thrilled and celebrated with dinner out that night after they made the offer a Contract.
On day ten of the Home Inspection contingency, the buyer's inspector came out to the house. Everything passed with flying colors except, you got it, the basement. It wasn't the quality of work, it was that the contractor hadn't been licensed that they had employed for their lower level (although the couple thought he was) and as a result hadn't acquired ONE permit!!! He hadn't gotten a plumbing permit, electrical, air conditioning or any other kind of permit. The buyer had wanted to close in 21 days but it took 40 days and a lot of money to undo what the contractor had done and acquire the needed county and city permits. The young couple nearly lost the deal. In reality, they were fortunate that it closed at all.
What do we learn from the above story as home owners? When employing a contractor ask six questions:
- Are you licensed?
- May I see your license?
- Do you have references?
- Is it you or me that secures the necessary permits?
- What about insurance coverage on you and your employees?
- May I see proof of your insurance coverage?
By the way, a sharp realtor®, when he/she takes your listing will always ask about improvements, permits, liens, etc.... in reference to your house. These issues if they are going to surface should be dealt with before you receive the offer, not after and while you are in the midst of a contract.
David L. Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.859.5188
Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought For The Moment: Before making a phone call to secure a loan for a new house, check your Credit Score Online so that you will have NO surprises.
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these reports on my website: BurrowsProperties.Com Seller Reports
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale
The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.
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