Is your Oklahoma City property meeting building regulations? Selling a property with code violations can be a challenge. If you’ve made upgrades without the proper permits, you’ll likely run into challenges when trying to sell. Many buyers and financial institutions have concerns about code violations, and unpermitted work can make a property sale much more complicated. If you’re concerned about selling when you have permit issues, understanding your options can help you make the right decision.
What is unpermitted work?
Unpermitted work occurs when a property owner modifies their house without obtaining the proper residential permits. Some typical cases are:
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Wiring or pipe installations done without remodeling permits
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Expanding the home or converting a garage without securing approval
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Replacing an old heating/cooling unit without a building inspection
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Adding outdoor structures that don’t follow regulations or encroach on a neighbor’s land
Regulations guarantee that all work complies with local construction laws, so homes remain structurally sound. When renovations take place without a required permit, it becomes a code violation. Housing code violations can create challenges during a home sale by reducing home worth and complicating the process for potential buyers to get mortgage approval.
Clarifying code violations
A permit issue means the modifications to a home fail to comply with local permit guidelines. Every city has its own building code violations list, but some typical problems include faulty wiring, unsafe plumbing, and major modifications done outside permit requirements.
It’s crucial to stay updated on your local building regulations in Oklahoma City. Building laws update over time, so what used to be acceptable is potentially a permit problem now. Homeowners associations (HOAs) may also have extra guidelines, which can create more obstacles. It might help to get a home inspection to uncover any potential compliance issues.
Common unpermitted work and code violations
How do you know if your home has unpermitted work? Below are a list of housing code violations seen in Oklahoma City:
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Additions done without official permits
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DIY plumbing work
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Shingle replacements without city approval
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Structural repairs without a structural home inspection
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Decks that go beyond local size restrictions
Is it legal to sell a house with unpermitted work?
Yes, you are allowed to sell a house in Oklahoma City with unpermitted work, but there are guidelines to consider. In Oklahoma, sellers must notify buyers of any existing house code violations. Neglecting to disclose unpermitted work could lead to buyer disputes.
Buyers may ask for repairs, price reductions, or proof that work is up to code. Some lenders refuse to finance homes with building code violations, limiting your buyer options.
How unpermitted work impacts your home sale
Selling a home with unpermitted work in Oklahoma City can lead to:
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Reduced home value: Buyers may be reluctant to pay full price for a house with potential problems.
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Failed home inspections: A building inspection may uncover code violations.
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Loan approval issues: Many lenders need proof of permitted work before issuing mortgages.
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Coverage issues: Some insurance companies refuse to insure properties with serious housing code violations.
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Potential lawsuits: Completing the sale of a property with code violations may result in legal action later, even after the sale.
What are your options if you’re selling a house with unpermitted work?
If your home has housing code issues, you have a few options:
Fix the issue and get permits.
Bring your home up to code by getting a retroactive residential permit. To do this:
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Get an expert to assess completed work.
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Handle permit fees and arrange property inspections.
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Finish needed repairs after inspections.
This process requires patience but can boost your asking price.
Sell your Oklahoma City house "as is."
Skip the stress of completing renovations by selling your house "as is."
Off-market home buyers like We Buy Ugly Houses specialize in buying properties with problems like unpermitted work. You can sell quickly without dealing with property inspections.
Offer credit to the buyer.
You could offer a credit to cover repairing unpermitted work. This could increase your home’s attractiveness, but it reduces your buyer pool, since many buyers steer clear of managing permit issues.
Common mistakes when selling a house with unpermitted work
If you list a property with code violations, don’t make these mistakes:
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Hiding violations: Buyers can take legal action if unpermitted work goes undisclosed.
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Overlooking consequences: Insurance issues can jeopardize your sale.
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Miscalculating expenses: If getting permits is your plan, get cost estimates first.
Selling a house with unpermitted work in Oklahoma City can be a hassle, and making the wrong moves may cause legal trouble, setbacks, or lost deals. If you need support, consider hiring a legal expert who can help you deal with selling a home with housing code violations.
Code violations don’t have to affect your sale.
If you want to sell a house with unpermitted work quickly, We Buy Ugly Houses in Oklahoma City is here to help. We buy houses “as is,” so you don’t have to worry about building inspections, house code violations, or expensive repairs. With our 3-step home-buying process, we can take you from consultation to closing swiftly, sometimes in as little as 3 weeks. We pay all typical closing costs, and we don’t charge commissions or surprise you with hidden fees.†
Interested in finding out more? Get in touch with us now for a free consultation toward an offer for your home.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
