The sellers didn't realize they needed a permit. They had this extra space behind the bonus room and they thought a third bathroom would be a selling point. His father-in-law was a building contractor from another state and they used a licensed electrician, but alas no permit. Permit or no permit, does it make a difference in a sale of a home, it did this time!
We just lost a sale on the house! We checked with the city where it is located and they refuse to issue a permit with penalty because they can't see the plumbing and electrical because they are behind the wall. The home inspector is willing to come and do an inspection, for my seller, but the best he can do is simply report what the current situation is and that the electrical seems to be the correct gauge of wire and the GFCI works, etc. but he is not opening walls either.
Now we have to place it back on the market with additional disclosure since the seller didn't mention it when we asked the language in the seller's property disclosure form that says "have you made any alterations or remodeling without a permit?" and so we have to answer "YES!" we have.
It just gets better and better. Any ideas how we could make this seem like it will be alright? It has been in use for ten years and no problems except the heating register came undone and the valve froze behind the shower and the insurance company came in and made it all correct. Does that count for anything?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
If you are a buyer or seller, please think before you do anything to your home. Call the local building department and confirm whether you need a permit, before you start!
Thanks! You can write to me at Tim@TimBurroughsGroup.com.
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