Selling a House with Unpermitted Work In Washington

Homeowners often get so caught up in improving their homes for comfort that they forget to apply for the necessary permits, leading to unpermitted work.

This can affect the value of your property, create legal issues, and even pose safety hazards. Given these factors, selling a house with unpermitted work in Washington State can be quite tricky.

This article explains the types of home updates that require permits, the risks of selling a house without permits in Washington, and how to address these issues. You’ll know your options and steps for a smoother sale by the end. Let’s get straight to it!

What Home Updates Require Permission from the Local Building Permit Office?

Example Of Building Permits in Washington State

When making updates to your home, it’s important to know which projects require permission from the local building permit office. Obtaining the necessary permits ensures that the work is performed safely and in compliance with building codes. This also ensures you don’t sell a house that is not up to code in the future.

Below are some common types of home updates that typically require permits in Washington State:

Major Electrical Work

Permitted major electrical work consists of large-scale changes and/or additions to a home’s electrical system. These changes ensure work is done safely, as unpermitted work can create hazardous conditions, including the risk of deadly fires.

Some examples of major electrical work that requires permits may include:

Unpermitted additions of new outlets
Upgrading the electrical panel
Adding new circuits
Rewiring parts of a real estate
Setting up a new home automation system
Adding outdoor lighting fixtures or an appliance

Obtaining an electrical permit requires contacting your local building permit office and submitting plans. Alternatively, some services offer to handle everything for you, from obtaining permits to performing installations.

If your home has electrical modifications that appear unoriginal and lack permits, they’re likely unpermitted additions.

Structural Changes

Structural changes are alterations that affect the structural integrity or foundation of a home. Ideally, these changes must be permitted to ensure the home’s integrity and safety, especially during natural disasters such as earthquakes or storms.

Some examples of structural changes that require permits may include:

Structural changes to house in Washington without permits

Building a deck
Finishing a basement
Adding an extra room, a kitchen extension, or a bathroom
Removing a load-bearing wall
Modifying the foundation (e.g., underpinning)

Applying for a structural permit involves contacting your local building permit office and submitting detailed plans. For instance, in Tacoma, Washington, this is usually done through the City of Tacoma’s Planning and Development Services.

In addition, application fees, costs for the professional plan and drawing preparation, and costs for required inspections all apply when obtaining structural permits.

New HVAC System Installation

Installing a new HVAC system means replacing a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Permits are required to ensure the system is installed properly and to prevent problems such as poor ventilation or fire hazards.

Some examples of HVAC work that require permits may include:

Installing a new furnace
Replacing an air conditioning unit
Adding a new heat pump
Installing ductwork
Upgrading an existing HVAC system

Your nearby office for building permits issues permits for HVAC installations. As with other home updates, when upgrading HVAC systems, you will need to submit a plan, hire a licensed HVAC contractor, and pay inspection fees.

Major Plumbing Work

Substantial plumbing work means large changes and/or additions to a home’s existing plumbing system. In Washington, a permit is required to ensure the work is done in a way that prevents water damage and sanitation issues.

Some examples of plumbing work that requires permits include:

Replacing old piping
Installing new fixtures, such as sinks or toilets
Adding an extra bathroom
Modifying existing plumbing layouts
Installing a new water heater
Setting up a new sewer line

Securing permits for plumbing work is done through your local building permit office. This process can be made easier by hiring licensed plumbers or professional services who can handle the entire project from start to finish.

Major Roofing Work

For large roofing projects, such as major repairs or replacements, permits are required to ensure the work is done properly and to maintain the home’s structure and waterproofing.

Some examples of major roofing work that require permits include:

Replacing the entire roof
Installing new roofing materials
Making substantial repairs to the roof structure
Adding new skylights or roof windows
Altering the roofline

To get a permit for large-scale roofing jobs, you must get in touch with your area’s building permit office along with your plans in detail. As with all other major adjustments, there are application fees, a fee to hire a licensed roofing contractor, and a fee to have the job inspected.

Addition of Windows

Adding or enlarging windows can affect a home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency. Permits are required to ensure that the work meets building codes and standards.

Some examples of window work that requires permits include:

Adding new windows to existing walls
Enlarging or modifying existing window openings
Installing skylights
Replacing windows with larger or differently styled ones

As with other major home updates, obtaining permits for window additions requires coordination with your local building permit office.

It starts with submitting detailed plans, paying the necessary fees, and hiring a licensed professional for the installation.

Can You Sell a House with Unpermitted Work In Washington?

Yes, you can sell a house with unpermitted work in Washington State, but it can be challenging. Unpermitted work can affect the sale process, lower the property value, and scare away potential buyers. Fortunately, cash home buyers in Washington State can buy as-is even when unpermitted work is present.

When selling a house with unpermitted work, there are two key things you need to understand: implications for buyers and the importance of disclosure.

What Does Buying a House with Unpermitted Work Mean for Buyers?

For buyers, purchasing a house with unpermitted work involves several risks:

Financing Issues: Lenders may be reluctant to approve loans for properties with unpermitted work, making it harder for buyers to secure financing.
Insurance Problems: Getting homeowner’s insurance can be difficult if the home has unpermitted work. Insurance companies often require homes to meet all local building codes for safety. If the unpermitted work causes damage or an accident, the insurance claim might be denied. This can result in high out-of-pocket repair costs and liability if someone is injured by the unpermitted changes.
Additional Costs: Buyers may incur additional expenses to address unpermitted work. These expenses may include retroactive permit fees, fines, and other repair work that contractors are required to do. Too many unexpected expenses may cause buyers to look for other options.

Overall, purchasing a home with unpermitted work is not ideal for buyers. It is true that some buyers may feel that a home with unpermitted work allows them to negotiate and ultimately buy the home for a lower price. On the other hand, unpermitted work on a house can deter potential buyers due to possible legal and/or financial issues.

The unknown and legal work that needs to be done to a home to bring it into code poses a significant risk when purchasing a home with unpermitted work. All of these issues can make buying a home much less appealing.

Disclosing Unpermitted Work

It’s crucial to fully disclose any unpermitted work to potential buyers. Failure to do so may result in lawsuits and financial penalties.

Most states require sellers to fill out a disclosure form. This form lists the condition of the house and any known issues, including unpermitted work. Intentionally hiding this information can constitute fraud.

In Washington, this is covered by RCW 64.06.020 of the Washington Revised Code. This law requires sellers to give a completed disclosure statement to buyers. This statement must include information about any material defects or unpermitted work.

But what do you do if you’re unsure whether your home has unpermitted work?

How Can You Tell if Your Home Has Unpermitted Work?

Identifying unpermitted work in your home is important if you’re planning to sell it. Here are some simple steps to help you find out if your home has unpermitted work:

Look for Common Signs: Review for any modifications or new items that appear oddly placed or do not align with the rest of the house’s style. Varied construction quality or types of materials may indicate work done without permits.
Absence of Permits or Inspection Stickers: The absence of these documents can indicate that the work was done without proper permits.
Check Local Building Permit Records: Visit your local building permit office or its website. You can usually find records of the permits issued for your property. Look through the records, and see how they match with the actual structures and modifications in your residence.
Consult Home Inspectors and Contractors: A home inspector can thoroughly check your property and identify any unpermitted work. Experienced contractors can also give insights and confirm if the work was done according to code.

These steps will help you learn how to identify the unpermitted work in your home and get it corrected. That might mean you will have to obtain retroactive permits and make repairs, or, if you are selling the home, you will have to fully disclose the unpermitted work to the buyer.

Options When Selling a House with Unpermitted Work In Washington State

After determining if any work has been done without permits on the house you’re about to sell, the next step is to consider your options. It is challenging to sell a house with unpermitted work; however, there are strategies you can implement. Each strategy depends on your situation and/or your priorities. Here are a few possibilities moving forward.

Selling As-Is

One option is to sell the home in its current condition without addressing the unpermitted work. This approach is straightforward and can be quicker since you are not making any changes or spending additional money. You may also opt to sell without the help of a realtor.

However, this option may result in a lower sale price and could attract fewer buyers. Many buyers might be wary of purchasing a property with potential legal and safety issues.

One thing to keep in mind when selling as-is is to properly disclose all unpermitted work to potential buyers. Transparency is crucial to avoid legal complications down the road. Fortunately, companies that buy houses in Seattle can skip all the red tape.

Obtaining Retroactive Permits

Another option is to apply for permits after the work has been completed. This process can be both costly and time-consuming, as the work must meet current Washington State building codes.

For example, to apply for a structural permit, you need to contact your local building permit office to obtain the necessary forms. Detailed plans and drawings are usually required, which often means you must hire a professional architect or engineer.

Be ready to cover application fees, which depend on your project, as well as certain inspection fees you will have to pay.

Also, be prepared to cover some costs if your project needs to be modified to fit code requirements. Although this may sound challenging, this will improve your home’s value and will most likely benefit buyers.

As obtaining retroactive permits is on a case-by-case basis, it is recommended that you reach out to your local permitting office to learn more. Likewise, you can read through forums to learn more about other people’s experiences.

Remedying the Work

Correcting unpermitted work to meet code requirements is another strategy. This involves hiring licensed professionals and inspectors to ensure that all work is compliant with local building codes.

Though the processes may be costly and lengthy, your home will meet legal and safety requirements and may even increase its value and appeal to buyers.

Instead of getting retroactive permits that try to complete the work to current standards, fixing the work focuses on the unpermitted work to address what still needs to be done to meet those standards.

Discounting the Sale Price

Another option is to offer a lower sale price due to the unpermitted work. This can be a good strategy to attract buyers who don’t mind doing the work and could make the property more attractive despite the issues.

This may cause the sale price to dip below the desired level; however, in the right conditions, it could also sell much faster because buyers looking to purchase and make the necessary adjustments will be drawn to it.

Key Takeaways: How Kind House Buyers Help Sell Homes with Unpermitted Work in Washington State

Selling a home with unpermitted work in Washington can be difficult and stressful, but there are strategies to navigate the process. Whether you sell as-is, obtain retroactive permits, remedy the work, or offer a discount, each option has its pros and cons.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, consider a reliable investor home buyer in Washington, such as Kind House Buyers. We buy homes in Tacoma, Washington, in any condition, including those with unpermitted work, and provide competitive cash offers that don’t require repairs or permits.

The process is quick and simple, so you can sell your home fast and stress-free. For help selling a house with unpermitted work, visit the Kind House Buyers website or contact us at (253) 216-2497 to learn more.

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Author: Keith Sant

Keith Sant is a real estate investor and entrepreneur who enjoys helping others by sharing useful real estate information. Keith’s goal is to educate home sellers so they can make the best decisions for their real estate problems. When Keith is not working, he enjoys cycling and traveling with his wife, Krixelle.

He has been featured on numerous new and real estate platforms, including Zillow, HomeLight, Better Homes & Gardens, Realtor.com, MSN, and Yahoo Finance.

Can You Sell A House with Unpermitted Work In Washington?