I inherited a home from my uncle, a master carpenter and experienced remodeler. He did most of the work on his home, and since he didn’t intend to sell it, he never got permits. The work done includes adding french doors, skylights, relocating a water heater to create a pantry, and much more. While I have no doubt the work was done well, it may violates code requirements.
I’m wondering whether to alert the local DBI since we may want to sell the house in a few years. What should I do?
Larry,
This will change state by state but the items you mentioned typically would require permits. In most states buyers would have a home inspector look at the house and point out safety or code violations. You would then be required to address the items in order to sell. Many buyers would require a licensed contractor make the appropriate repairs, and that is one option. The other option you might consider is hiring a lessened plumber to come in and evaluate such items as the water heater and ask his recommendations on the cost of repair and if a permit should be obtained. I would suggest the same approach with any electrical work, HVAC work and calling on a state lessened general contractor to look at the door and skylight.
I don’t recommend you go the permitting process your self. Each state can be challenging, time consuming and costly to navigate the process. It will save you money in the long run if you get a professional involved.
Hope that helps
Joe Balich
Meridian DesignBuild, ltd
Your state may be different, but I would only involve an inspection if you feel a hazard. Here they have inspectors you can pay upon request if you are buying a house but not required as a seller as far as I know. HUD and others like those require inspections for their buyers too. Codes change all the time I would wait and see when you go to sell.
Many larger municipalities have programs in place to help homeowners with this exact situation. Since the building department is looking out for the health and safety of the public, they are often willing to send out an inspector to review unpermitted work for compliance. If you live in a location that has this option, it might be worth looking into. However, if you go this route, the inspection finding will be documented, and the building department may require you to pull permits for any recommended corrective actions.
In my state, I can apply for a post construction permit. I have to draft a letter, along with the subcontractors I use to verfiy that the work was done in a professional and safe manner. I am not sure if this would work for you, but calling your local permit department may provide valuable answers for you.
