Is your Tucson home meeting building regulations? Listing a home with code violations isn’t always easy. If you’ve made upgrades without the proper permits, you’ll likely encounter issues when trying to sell. Many buyers and financial institutions have concerns about code violations, and unpermitted work can make a property sale much more difficult. If you’re concerned about selling when you have permit issues, knowing what to do can help you make the right decision.
What is unpermitted work?
Unpermitted work occurs when a property owner renovates 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 without getting approval
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Replacing an old heating/cooling unit without a building inspection
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Adding outdoor structures that lack zoning compliance
Regulations guarantee that all work meets local safety standards, so homes remain structurally sound. When modifications are completed without a required permit, it becomes a compliance issue. Housing code violations can create challenges during a home sale by reducing home worth and creating obstacles for potential buyers to get mortgage approval.
Clarifying code violations
A permit issue means the modifications to a home fail to comply with local construction laws. Every city has its own building code violations list, but some frequently seen infractions include unsafe electrical work, unsafe plumbing, and major modifications that violate regulations. It’s crucial to review your local building regulations in Tucson. Regulations evolve over time, so what used to be acceptable could be considered a permit problem now. Homeowners associations (HOAs) may also have extra guidelines, which can cause additional concerns. It could be beneficial to get a home inspection to identify 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 Tucson:
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Remodeling done without required permits
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DIY wiring 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 Tucson with unpermitted work, but there are guidelines to consider. In Arizona, sellers must inform 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 Tucson can lead to:
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Reduced home value: Buyers may be reluctant to pay full price for a home with potential risks.
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Delayed sales: A building inspection may uncover unpermitted work.
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Loan approval issues: Many lenders demand compliance before issuing mortgages.
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Coverage issues: Some insurance companies refuse to insure homes with significant housing code violations.
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Potential lawsuits: Completing the sale of a property with code violations may lead to legal action later, even after the sale.
What are your options if you’re selling a house with unpermitted work?
If your home has building code violations, you have a few options:
Fix the issue and get permits.
Update your home up to code by getting a retroactive residential permit. To do this
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Ask a professional to review completed work.
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Cover permit fees and book property inspections.
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Complete required repairs after inspections.
This process requires patience but could increase buyer interest.
Sell your Tucson home "as is."
Skip the stress of obtaining permits by selling your home "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 handling property inspections.
Offer credit to the buyer.
You can offer a credit to cover resolving unpermitted work. This may help your home’s attractiveness, but it narrows down your potential buyers, since many buyers avoid dealing with repairs.
Common mistakes when selling a house with unpermitted work
If you list a home with code violations, steer clear of these mistakes:
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Hiding violations: Buyers can pursue claims if unpermitted work goes undisclosed.
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Overlooking consequences: Insurance issues can affect your sale.
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Miscalculating expenses: If getting permits is your plan, get cost estimates first.
Selling a home with unpermitted work in Tucson can be difficult, and making the wrong moves might result in legal trouble, setbacks, or lost deals. If you need help, consider hiring a legal expert who can help you understand selling a home with housing code violations.
Code violations don’t have to affect your sale.
If you want to sell a home with unpermitted work quickly, We Buy Ugly Houses in Tucson 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 quickly, 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.†
Want to learn 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.
