Lovely House But There are a Few Issues...
We’ve been searching for a house for maybe 9 months and have found something that really suited our needs. The house is lovely and has a lot of upgrades done (central heat/air, recessed lighting, waterless boiler, beautiful backyard and balcony off master bedroom. We believe the seller did this himself so obviously no permits pulled…
We’ve been searching for a house for maybe 9 months and have found something that really suited our needs.
The house is lovely and has a lot of upgrades done (central heat/air, recessed lighting, waterless boiler, beautiful backyard and balcony off master bedroom. We believe the seller did this himself so obviously no permits pulled and such. While those we feel are minor – we have just found out the carport is illegal. The house is a legal two family house but they have converted it into a triplex with an illegal basement apartment. We love it so much we are willing to overlook the basement apartment (we plan on removing the kitchen) and just using it as an extra bedroom/ rec room. However, the C of O clearly says it should be 1 family on the first flor and 1 family on the second floor. Would I have to convert that back? There is also a room in the attic… which now I highly doubt it legal.
We love the place but we’re not sure if it’s worth the hassle…
Opinions?
Thanks for all the comments.
Yes, out contract was contingent on a lot of things – but the best part is we haven’t actually SIGNED any contract. The lawyer is my husband’s friend and he’s erring on the cautious side – so I think we will just pass and look for something that will suit our needs better. Without worrying about the illegal carport and work done inside (and outside).
The appraisal is likely to throw up a red flag on the C of O issue for the mortgage company. It won’t if the basement kitchen is removed. Make the contract contingent on that issue or ask the seller to remove the kitchen. Unless someone comes along and offers all cash, he’s going to have a problem
make the contract of sale reflect the c of o issue insofar as you can make it financing contingent. then see what happens. you’ll need that 35% down anyway.
Ahhhhh, that would be a tankless water heater…….
Good luck in your new home!!!!
I was also wondering what the hell a waterless boiler is.
Everything else should be fine, but the waterless boiler is surely a recipe for trouble.
LOL. waterless boiler – sorry.
Maybe my terminology was incorrect – waterless water heater? Basically it warms up the water real quick – so there’s no boiler (tank) that keeps the hot water there.
Eh – it’s this: http://www.palomatankless.com/technology/tank_tankless.html
Here’s a stupid question: What the hell is a waterless boiler? I’ve been in the heating business for 33 years, and I’d love to know what a waterless boiler is.
Hot air furnace perhaps?
However, if what bruce was referring to was any FUTURE inspection hten, yes, any non permitted, non code work will be a problem.
If you don’t plan to pull any permits (because you’re not doing anything that requires it or you can get away without) then there won’t be a problem.
Carport can probably stay but you won’t be able to replace or rebuild it. Tearing it down shouldn’t be an issue.
A lot of this will depend upon where you are and who your neighbors are and whether or not your contractor is respectful of noise and dirt issues.