Selling a House with Unpermitted Work In Washington
Homeowners often get so caught up in repairing their homes for comfort that they forget to apply for the necessary permits, which results to unpermitted work.
This can affect the value of your property, create legal issues, and even pose safety hazards. Given these factors, the process of selling a house with unpermitted work in Washington State can be quite tricky.
This article’ll explain the types of home updates that need permits, the risks of selling a house without permits in Washington, and how to fix these problems. 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?
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 done safely and complies 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
Major electrical work involves significant changes or additions to a home’s electrical system. These changes must be permitted to ensure the home’s safety, as unpermitted electrical work can be hazardous and pose serious fire and safety concerns.
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 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 getting the permits to performing the installations.
If your home has electrical modifications that appear unoriginal and lack permits, it’s likely these are unpermitted additions.
Structural Changes
Structural changes are any changes affecting the structural integrity or foundation of a home. Ideally, these changes must be permitted to ensure the integrity and safety of the home, especially during natural disasters like earthquakes or storms.
Some examples of structural changes that require permits may include:
- Building a deck
- Finishing a basement
- Adding an extra room, kitchen extension, or 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 the city of Tacoma Washington, this is usually done through the City of Tacoma’s Planning and Development Services.
Additionally, obtaining structural permits involves paying application fees, hiring a professional to create plans and drawings, and covering fees for mandatory inspections.
New HVAC System Installation
Installing a new HVAC system means changing a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Permits are required to ensure the system is installed properly and avoid problems like 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 local building permit office grants permits for HVAC installation. Similar to other home updates, an HVAC upgrade requires submitting detailed plans, hiring a licensed HVAC professional, and covering inspection fees.
Major Plumbing Work
Major plumbing work consists of significant modifications or additions to a home’s plumbing infrastructure. Permits are required in Washington to ensure that the work is done properly, helping to prevent 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
Big roofing projects, such as major repairs or replacements, need permits to ensure the work is done correctly. This way, the home’s structural integrity and weatherproofing are kept intact.
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
Obtaining a permit for major roofing work requires contacting your local building permit office and providing detailed plans. Like other major modifications, this process involves paying application fees, hiring a licensed roofing contractor, and covering the costs of inspections.
Addition of Windows
Adding or enlarging windows involves changes that 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
Similar to other major home updates, obtaining permits for window additions requires coordinating 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. Forunaltly, 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 costs for repairs and liability issues if someone gets hurt because of the unpermitted changes.
- Additional Costs: Buyers might face extra expenses to bring the unpermitted work up to code. This could include obtaining retroactive permits, paying fines, and hiring professionals to make necessary repairs. Too many additional costs may scare away potential buyers.
Overall, buying a house with unpermitted work is not the most attractive option for buyers. While some may think it’s an opportunity to bargain and lower the price, others will likely be deterred by the potential legal and financial complications.
The uncertainty and additional expenses required to bring the property up to code can be significant deterrents, making the purchase risky and 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. Hiding this information on purpose can be considered fraud.
In Washington, this is covered by the 2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 64.06.020. 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: Check for any changes or additions that seem out of place or don’t match the rest of the home. Differences in construction quality or types of materials can suggest unpermitted work.
- Absence of Permits or Inspection Stickers: Missing these documents can indicate that the work was done without proper permits.
- Check Local Building Permit Records: Visit your local building permit office or their website. You can often see records showing what permits have been issued for your property. Compare these records with the actual structures and changes in your home to spot any differences.
- 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.
By following these steps, you can identify unpermitted work in your home and take the right action. This might involve getting retroactive permits, making necessary repairs, or fully disclosing the unpermitted work to potential buyers.
Options When Selling a House with Unpermitted Work In Washington State
Once you have determined whether the home you’re planning to sell has unpermitted work, it’s time to explore your options. Selling a house with unpermitted work can be challenging, but there are several strategies to consider.
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your specific situation and priorities. Let’s take a look at your possible next moves.
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. Fortunatly, 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 prepared for various costs, including application fees, which vary depending on the project’s scope, and inspection fees for mandatory inspections.
Additionally, there may be potential costs for modifications required to meet code standards. Despite these challenges, this approach can increase your home’s value and make it more appealing to buyers.
As obtaining retroactive permits is on a case-to-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.
While this option can be expensive and time-consuming, it ensures that your home meets all legal and safety standards, potentially increasing its value and attractiveness to buyers.
In contrast to obtaining retroactive permits, which aims to legalize completed work by meeting current standards, remedying the work involves fixing the unpermitted work to ensure it complies with those standards.
Discounting the Sale Price
Offering a lower sale price to account for the unpermitted work is also an option. This strategy can attract buyers who are willing to address the issues themselves, making the property more appealing despite the existing problems.
While this may result in a lower sale price, it can expedite the sale process by appealing to buyers looking for a deal and who are prepared to handle the necessary corrections.
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 without requiring 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.