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Hey friends, Harley here. 🐶🐾
You walk into a house and LOVE it.
Beautiful remodeled kitchen.
Huge new deck.
Converted garage.
Extra bedroom.
Maybe even a big shop out back.
Everything looks amazing.
But Stephen has another question:
“Were permits required, and were they actually obtained?”
Because something looking professionally finished doesn’t necessarily mean it was properly permitted.
And that’s something buyers should investigate before closing.
🔨 What Does “Permitted” Mean?
Depending on the location and type of project, certain improvements may require approval from the local building authority.
That can include work involving:
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Structural changes
• Additions
• Decks
• Garage conversions
• Finished basements
• New bedrooms
• Shops and accessory structures
• Major remodeling
Requirements vary by jurisdiction and project, so buyers shouldn’t assume.
🚩 Why Should a Buyer Care?
Because after you buy the property, an old improvement can become your problem.
Potential issues could include:
✔ Safety concerns
✔ Code violations
✔ Problems obtaining future permits
✔ Unexpected repair expenses
✔ Insurance complications
✔ Financing or appraisal concerns
✔ Difficulty selling the property later
That gorgeous addition isn’t nearly as exciting if you later discover major work needs to be corrected.
📋 Don’t Assume the Listing Tells the Whole Story
A listing might advertise:
4 bedrooms.
But do public records show four bedrooms?
The home might advertise:
2,400 square feet.
Does the available property information support that?
Maybe the garage was converted into living space.
Maybe an addition was built years ago.
Maybe everything was properly approved.
Maybe it wasn’t.
Ask. Verify. Understand.
🔎 Look for Clues During the Showing
Some things should make you ask additional questions:
• Garage converted into living space
• Recently finished basement
• Enclosed patio
• Large addition
• New bathroom in an unusual location
• Detached shop with power or plumbing
• Major electrical upgrades
• Walls that appear to have been moved
None of these automatically means there’s a problem.
They simply may deserve more investigation.
🏛️ Check Available Records
Depending on the property, you may want to investigate available:
✔ Permit history
✔ County property records
✔ Building information
✔ Septic information
✔ Approved plans
✔ Final inspections
And remember:
No permit found doesn’t automatically prove one was required or never existed.
That’s when more questions may be appropriate.
🛠️ Your Home Inspector Is NOT the Permit Department
A home inspector evaluates the property’s observable condition.
That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re verifying the complete permit history or determining whether every improvement complies with every applicable code.
Those are different questions.
Use the right resource for the right job.
🐾 Harley’s Bottom Line
Don’t just ask, “Does the remodel look good?”
Ask:
“Was it done properly?”
Beautiful finishes can hide expensive problems.
A little investigation before closing can help you understand exactly what you’re buying and potentially save you from a very expensive surprise later.
Thinking about buying?
Stephen will help you identify the questions worth asking and make sure you have the opportunity to perform the due diligence that’s important to you.
📞 360-261-2062
Paws up,
Harley 🐾
