Buying A House With Unpermitted Work

Feb 26, 2024

6-minute read

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Buying a house with unpermitted work comes with significant risks for your homeowners insurance, mortgage lender and more, so it may not be the best fit for every family. However, home buyers who can legalize the unpermitted additions before closing can mitigate their risks and buy a home they love.

If you’re looking for a new home and find that your dream house has unpermitted work, you shouldn’t have to give it up and settle for something else. There are options to ensure you get the home you want and stay out of legal trouble.

What Is Unpermitted Work In A Home?

Any alterations or construction done to a house without the proper permissions to make it lawful is unpermitted work. To have the correct paperwork, you need three separate permits and licenses, including zoning, plan review and post-construction inspections.

People decide to have unpermitted work done for various reasons, such as:

  • Saving time and money
  • Keeping their assessed real estate value low
  • Thinking they’ll stay in the home forever

Even if you’re looking to remodel your kitchen and need a small addition, it’s a good idea to go through your city to gain a permit before you renovate your home.