When maintaining or upgrading your home, ensuring all repairs and modifications are completed with the proper permits is essential. Not only does this matter for homeowners planning to stay long-term, but it becomes particularly critical when selling. Home repairs completed without a permit can complicate the selling process, potentially reducing your home’s value and leading to transaction difficulties.

Why Permits Are Essential

Building permits are official approvals issued by local government agencies that allow construction or remodeling projects on your property. These permits confirm that your project complies with local standards for land use, zoning, and construction, protecting the safety and well-being of current and future occupants.

Skipping permits can lead to fines, costly retroactive permits, or even the need to redo work. More importantly, unpermitted work might not meet safety codes, posing serious risks for inhabitants and causing issues during a sale.

Code Changes and Compliance

Building codes evolve over time to incorporate new safety standards and energy efficiency practices. Work done even a decade ago may no longer meet current codes, especially if it was completed without a permit. For instance, older electrical systems might not have the capacity to handle today’s energy needs or might lack safety features like ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in kitchens and bathrooms. This can create complications when selling, as these systems may need updating to meet today’s standards.

Addressing Unpermitted Repairs

If you discover unpermitted work on your property, whether completed by you or previous owners, here’s how to address it effectively:

1. Assessment and Inspection: Hire a qualified inspector to assess whether the work meets current building codes. This inspection will indicate if corrections or retroactive permits are needed.
2. Retroactive Permitting: Apply for retroactive permits if possible. This process may involve redoing some work or opening walls for inspection by the local building department.
3. Disclosure: Full transparency is crucial when selling a home. Disclose any unpermitted work to potential buyers and share the steps you’ve taken to address it. This builds trust and prevents legal issues.
4. Corrective Work: In some cases, redoing unpermitted work might be necessary to ensure safety and compliance.

Mastiff Home Buyers: Simplifying the Process

At Mastiff Home Buyers, we understand the frustrations and complexities of dealing with unpermitted repairs. We provide a straightforward solution by purchasing homes as-is, including those with unpermitted work. When you work with us, you avoid the hassle of retroactive permits and code compliance.

We handle all assessments and code updates, making the process hassle-free. Whether your home has minor unpermitted repairs or extensive unregulated renovations, Mastiff Home Buyers is here to make selling your home simple and stress-free.

Contact Us Today

If you’re dealing with unpermitted modifications or repairs, don’t let it become a burden. Contact Mastiff Home Buyers at 816-750-5325 or fill out our online form. We’ll handle the complexities, so you can move forward with confidence. Remember, selling a home doesn’t have to be difficult—let us provide the solutions you need.