Before building a new home or improving an existing home, you usually have to get building permits. Building permits are a way for local communities to make some money and to ensure that building projects meet the building code. To get a building permit you have to fill out some paperwork describing what you plan to build and how you plan to build it. If you hire a contractor or builder make sure they’ve gotten all the necessary building permits prior to starting work.
Unpermitted Work Not Disclosed. Now what?
Unpermitted work not disclosed by the seller. Now what do we do? Q: My husband and I have appreciated the many articles from you in our local paper. In addition, we had recently bought your book, “100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask.” We gave it to our two young adult sons. The book [...]
What to Do About Unpermitted Work When Buying a House
What to do about unpermitted work when buying a house. How to look up work done on a home and who you can ask to help you make an informed decision. Q: I saw your recent column about buying a home that might not have all of the required permits for work done. You left [...]
Buying a House That Had Work Done Without a Permit
Buying a house that had work done without a permit: What you need to know. This owner wants to know how they should proceed when sellers had work done on the home without a permit. Q: I've always been told that when buying a house I should ask to see any building permits to make [...]
What Do You Need a Permit For?
What do you need a permit for? Home improvement projects you need permits for, how to get them and what could happen if you get the work done without one. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the snow is finally melting — and it’s the perfect time to start planning your next home [...]
Seller Disclosure Did Not Include Building Permit
A home buyer asks about holding a seller accountable for not disclosing a missing permit for a studio apartment and for an inaccurate address on the real estate contract. Because the home buyer bought the property five years ago he may have exceed the statute of limitations to sue the seller for not disclosing the probelm. The buyer should contact the title company about the address mistake and a real estate attorney about the permit problem.
Refinance To Keep Home After Divorce
When couples divorce sometimes the woman agrees to keep the home rather than lay claim to the man's retirement benefits. But is this a fair trade? It's worth reconsidering trading a home for retirement benefits when the housing market is poor or if the home has home improvement work that wasn't built with building permits or up to code. If one spouse does decide to keep the home, it's important to refinance the property to remove the name of the parting spouse from the mortgage loan.
Residential Construction Down 6 percent from June
The good news continues. Housing starts in July, 2007 were 1,381,000, down 6.1 percent from June. The bigger news is that housing starts are down nea...
Limited Common Element In Condominium
This condominium buyer wants to convert the basement to make it into a duplex. The basement will be considered a "limited common element" and the home owners will need to apply for permits. There are differences in the way you own a fee interest in a condominium and the way you own a limited common element of a condominium.
Contractor May Help Avoid Extensive Landscaping Changes
What can you do when the property that borders yours is to undergo extensive landscaping changes? Do you have a say in the matter? Even if your local government has approved the landscaping changes you may be able to provide an alternative by suggesting a qualified contractor.
New Construction Delayed Without Building Permits
To build a new home your builder has to secure building permits from the local government. It may take a while to obtain building permits because of zoning board concerns or other local issues. To get the builder moving or switch to another builder it helps to go through the original new construction contract with a real estate attorney.