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"Agents For The Homebuyer"
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"Agents For The Homebuyer"
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The best evidence of proper repairs and additions are fully signed off building permits from the city where the property is located. If you suspect that any portion of your home, or the home you are buying, may not be up to code, a licensed contractor can examine it to determine what changes are needed.
If it is impractical or impossible to make necessary changes, you can apply to the city for a variance. This is, in effect, permission from the city for your non-conforming structure to exist as is. For example, a garage that is built too close to the property line may be a allowed to stand if it does not constitute a safety problem, and if the neighbors do not mind.
When selling a home, the seller is required by law to disclose to the buyer the condition of the property, including any code violations and lack of permits. They can sell a home "as-is". However, this will likely reduce the price buyers will pay and cause trouble with financing the purchase. Lenders may refuse to lend on the property unless it is brought up to code. Also, simple disclosure does not necessarily protect the seller from future liability to the buyer.
From the first day you own your home the safest policy is to get required permits and inspections when repairs and additions are made. You can get complete information on your city's building requirements by contacting the planning department. You may be surprised at some of the things which local cities want permitted... a few examples: garbage disposal replacement, replacement of a bathroom vanity, installing a ceiling fan, extending a gas line to a dryer, adding a patio cover, converting garage to living quarters.
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