building code


Canceling New Construction Real Estate Contract

Can I cancel a real estate contract? A reader that wants to walk away from a real estate deal because there are too many issues with the house, builder, and real estate agent. However, you usually can’t just terminate a contract. The buyer must determine if the problems are enough to truly prevent occupancy.

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New Construction Driveway Problem

What can you do if you buy a new construction home and are disappointed with the results? A new homeowner is having driveway problems in his new home. Getting out of his garage is a pain, and he thinks the developer should have taken steps to avoid the problem. The building department may be able to determine if the driveway was constructed properly. The purchase contract should tell the homeowner what his options are.

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Purchased Home Found Not Up To Code

A homeowner finds out five years after buying a home that certain parts of the home do not meet code. There are zoning and building codes just about everywhere in the country. Zoning codes regulate what can be built and where, as well as regulating how things should be built.

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How To Resolve Missing Building Permits

When you buy a home that’s had home improvements made without building permits, it’s up to you to rectify that with your local government. In many cases, the local government will allow you to buy the building permits after the fact and consider the work in compliance with the building code. If you discover that the home you want to buy has had work done without building permits, you can stop the closing on the house.

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New Construction Contract Omits Vacant Lot Definition

A home buyer buys new construction expecting the next door lot to remain vacant per a verbal agreement with the developer. Later on, the home buyer learns that a developer plans to build on the vacant lot next to the new construction. One option is for the home buyer to buy the vacant lot next to the new construction. The home buyer wants to know his options and they’re limited since the promise about the vacant lot was not in writing.

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Building Code Determines Landscaping And Fence

What happens when you buy a home and redo the backyard with the help of your builder only to find out that the landscaping changes didn’t meet the building code? Is the builder liable for violating the building code? What can you as a home owner do when your landscaping or new fence don’t meet the community’s building code?

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Pitfalls of Building New Home

Do you want to build your dream house? Poor worksmanship can derail your plans, but a good home inspection can help you. Just because a new construction meets building codes doesn’t mean the work is done to your standards. Have a home inspection done at several points in the building process.

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Report Bad Builders To Local Authorities

After buying a newly built home, a couple discovers many problems and has a missing builder. The local county commissioner will be a big help in getting the builder to make the repairs. If the builder is doing any new construction in the county, and if the commission finds a pattern of problems with the builder’s homes, have the commissioner’s office yank his building permits. That should put him in serious enough financial trouble to get his attention.

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Getting Your Money’s Worth From New Construction Developers

The average new construction home buyer had better brush up on his or her knowledge of home building or risk paying more — and getting less — for a home than they planned on. So what should new construction home buyers look for? Buy a home from a quality builder or developer. Do your research. If you don’t understand, ask .

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