Risk Associated with Purchasing Brownstone Renovated Illegally

We are considering purchasing a Brooklyn brownstone that has been renovated (kitchens moved, bathrooms installed, etc) but no permits for this work have been filed. The worksmanship appears to be fine. It seems, from perusing this forum, that this is extremely common in Brooklyn. But it also seems that we would be taking on a lot of unknown risk in doing so. As I know this is a common problem, has anyone figured out the best way to identify with any more certainty how much risk you are taking on? Is it true that most old brownstones in Brooklyn have this problem (in other words, if you want to buy a nice brownstone you are going to be dealing with this problem regardless)? We have spoken with an expeditor who seems to think it would just be a matter of filing with the DOB and that everything should be up to code (he quoted us 20K to get the paperwork done), but that doesn’t seem reliable. Has anyone asked sellers to have NYC DOB inspectors (beyond the stand ard home inspection) come in to evaluate the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, work in an illegal renovation to determine compliance with code? Is that done? Any guidance or advise most welcome. Thank you.

Ahielscher

in General Discussion 8 years and 9 months ago

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lgwlcvqt | 8 years and 9 months ago

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Inspectors really just do a visual inspection and I wouldn’t trust them to know building, electrical, and fire codes. They know defects, not legality.

lgwlcvqt | 8 years and 9 months ago

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Inspectors really just do a visual inspection and I wouldn’t trust them to know building, electrical, and fire codes. They know defects, not legality.

daveinbedstuy | 8 years and 9 months ago

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First, DO NOT invite the DOB in under any circumstances. Any competent home inspector can tell you what is up to code and what isn’t. This is largely a non-issue. It certanly won’t affect any bank financing and won’t even likely be a problem if you decide to do permitted work down the road, depending upon the scope of such. You’re right, extremely common (even egregious violations like noncompliant decks). I bought mine which was fully renovated by an architect/owner and everything was up to code. I did a large amount of additional work without permits. In many cases, the ability to do so depends upon where you live, the scope of the work an the neighbors but it is definitely becoming less and less able to do so.