From the Forum: Buying a House for Which Work Permits Weren't Filed?
A Brownstoner reader is hoping to buy a townhouse, but none of the work that’s been done on it has permits. Brown2013 writes: We have been negotiating on a townhouse and just found out none of the work have any permits. I keep seeing this issue! The work that has been done is facade repair,…
A Brownstoner reader is hoping to buy a townhouse, but none of the work that’s been done on it has permits.
Brown2013 writes:
We have been negotiating on a townhouse and just found out none of the work have any permits. I keep seeing this issue! The work that has been done is facade repair, roofing, new electrical boxes and some wiring, updated bathroom.
How would you negotiate this with the seller? What is the DOB gong to think when I file permits for other work and then they come by to inspect and see a bunch of un permitted stuff? I want to ensure I cover myself for extra expenses related to this down the line.
What should they do? If the reader goes through with the sale, how can they be protected from extra costs or problems down the line? Share your thoughts in the original post.
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Your primary concern should be with the quality of the work. Was it done to standard/up to code. Most electrical work is done by unlicensed electricians s and filed by their licensed bosses.
Now if are you bringing this up because you want the seller to lower his price then that’s another issue. If you don’t feel safe making the purchase then simply move along but do not go blabbing to the buildings department because it might appear as if you’re steong arming the seller.