Unpermitted work can decrease your property’s marketability, bring legal risks, and turn off buyers. It can be costly to fix and may cause issues with lending and insurance. The good news is that you have options. Whether you fix the issues or sell the property “as is,” selling a house with unpermitted work is a hurdle you can get past.
What is unpermitted work?
Unpermitted work occurs when modifications are made without obtaining necessary permits. Permits are often required for work like:
- Converting an attic into a living space
- Modifying plumbing systems
- Building attached carports or storage units
- Making certain cosmetic renovations in a historical preservation district
Risks of unpermitted work include:
- Safety risk: Faulty work can compromise the home’s integrity, making it dangerous for occupants.
- Legal issues: Unpermitted work can violate local ordinances and set the homeowner up for civil lawsuits.
- Insurance issues: Unpermitted work can result in denied insurance claims or even jeopardize a homeowners insurance policy altogether.
Securing permits ensures compliance with local construction, safety, and land use standards, protecting both homeowners and their neighborhoods. Without proper permits, homeowners may unintentionally violate zoning laws, disrupt emergency access routes, or interfere with city utilities, leading to costly issues or legal complications.
Understanding code violations
Seattle building code information can be found on the city website. Neighboring cities like Tacoma and Bellevue offer online resources as well.
Most Washington State building codes are based on model codes, like the Uniform Plumbing Code and the International Mechanical Code. These codes are frequently amended by local ordinances. For example, Seattle has a city energy code. Other places in the US have energy codes but use different guidelines.
Changes in building codes can make life difficult for homeowners. Seattle recently changed the airflow requirements for range hoods over kitchen stoves, making them more stringent. This doesn’t mean that you have to replace your existing range hood immediately. Older work can sometimes be “grandfathered in” because it was up to code when the work was done, but new work will need to conform to new standards. Unpermitted work, whether it involves an outdated range hood or a major home addition, may be harder to grandfather in.
Homeowners associations (HOAs) in Washington can also set enforceable rules for property owners. HOAs can set rules around things like landscaping and the paint colors you are allowed to use, so it makes sense for homeowners to check these guidelines before paying to have work done.
Common unpermitted work and code violations
In Seattle, performing major renovations without a permit can complicate your home sale. A few examples of risky unpermitted work include:
- An unsafe outdoor spa
- A garage apartment conversion where no permits were pulled
- A privacy fence that extends beyond the property line
- Alterations to a window in a historic home
Is it legal to sell a house with unpermitted work?
Washington law permits you to sell a house with unpermitted work, but you have to be transparent with the buyer about it. Failure to do so can result in a lawsuit, so make sure that any potential buyer is aware of unpermitted work on your property.
How unpermitted work can affect your home sale
Properties with unpermitted work are usually less attractive to buyers. The buyer may not be able to get financing and could have trouble if they eventually choose to sell.
Similarly, unpermitted work can affect homeowners insurance policies. Let’s say you do an unpermitted upstairs attic conversion, complete with plumbing. If a pipe bursts, your insurance company may have reason to deny a damage claim. In some cases, unpermitted work can also result in your policy being cancelled.
What are your options if you’re selling a house with unpermitted work?
Here are some ways you can approach selling a house with unpermitted work:
- Fix and permit the work: Fixing and permitting the work is the most direct approach to resolving the problem. Small violations, like replacing fixtures or a range hood, may be affordable, while large-scale repairs, such as an unpermitted garage conversion, can be more expensive.
- Sell “as is”: You can sell without fixing the issue. Selling to an off-market buyer in the Seattle area might result in a faster closing, although the sale price may have to be lower to account for the cost and risks the buyer takes on to address the unpermitted work.
- Seek retroactive approval: Applying for a retroactive permit can be a good way to fix unpermitted work. Inspectors may request additional repairs to meet municipal standards, or they may approve the unpermitted work in its current state. You might need to pay more for a retroactive permit than you would for a regular one.
- Credit the buyer: Offering a credit at closing lets the buyer fix the problem on their own timeline.
Common mistakes when selling a house with unpermitted work
Here are some common things to avoid when selling “as is” with unpermitted work:
- Failing to disclose: While some sellers may be tempted not to mention unpermitted work, letting the buyer know upfront is the best way to protect yourself from surprises during inspection or legal problems down the road.
- Underestimating repair or permit costs: Resolving house problems can be expensive, especially when it involves major renovations.
- Making unpermitted updates when getting ready to sell: When getting your Seattle house ready to list, make sure that you don’t add to the problem with more unpermitted work.
- Not getting outside help: Some unpermitted work may not even require a repair, while other types of work can stop a sale in its tracks. A Seattle engineer, contractor, or real estate professional might have valuable advice.
We Buy Ugly Houses® buys properties with unpermitted work.
If you’re about to list and are worried about code violations caused by unpermitted work, think about giving We Buy Ugly Houses® a call. Our Seattle team regularly buys house “as is,” even when unpermitted work is involved. We offer a fast closing and a hassle-free process.
Don’t let unpermitted work stand between you and a successful home sale. Reach out to us today!
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
