Far too many homes on Oahu are missing building permits.
When I inspect properties that are being prepared for sale, I find that the home is missing it's building permits or work has been done by someone not properly licensed to do the work.
Here are some of the problems created:
- The tax department does not know of the improvements and they do not appear in public records.
- Your insurance company may not cover parts or all of your home if the case of fire or flood. Especially if the cause was illegal wiring or plumbing.
- Appraisers may not count the square footage of the improvements, lowering the valuation of your home.
- Depending on the type of mortgage, the lender may either reduce the value or refuse to loan at all.
- Potential buyers of your home may not wish to inherit the problem.
- Even if the work was done correctly at the time. It may not meet today's code, making it hard to impossible to get an after-the-fact permit. In some cases the improvements will need to be torn down.
- Your home will be harder to sell and will most likely sell for less. You may also have a lasting liability, if the buyer runs into issues after the sale.
When making improvements to your home be sure to get a licensed contractor where required. Have them file for all necessary permits. It may cost a little more upfront, but will save you money in the long run. For more information on building permits: visit the Honolulu Building Department website. www.HonoluluDPP.org
If you are thinking about selling your home, contact me and I would be happy to pull public records and do an evaluation of your home.
Comments (29)Subscribe to CommentsComment