Permits on partially completed addition

just

I'm considering the purchase of a home where previous owners were in the midst of finishing the basement and turning it into an additional bedroom and bath. If the previous owner had permits to do the work but never finished it and permits have expired, it that partially completed work now illegal?

I know answers will vary by area, but what are some possible scenarios to make everything kosher?

The blueprints on county records show it as an unfinished basement but the written records have an additional bedroom and bath listed. Is it possible that the county has already included the additional rooms in its records even though work was incomplete?

Just Bill

If permit were pulled there will be a record. If the county plot says unfinished, and nothing else shows, I doubt there were permits. Since you are a new owner, you can file as needed and have what is there inspected. One important point. If there was to be a bedroom, is there an emergency access/egress window or door???

gma2rjc

Before you buy the house, especially if there were no permits, have an inspection of the work that's already been done. Have an electrician inspect the electrical work that's been done. And while he's there, have him inspect the service panel and any wiring that's accessible.

Another thing to think about is if the work that has been done without a permit causes a fire or other major problem in the future, your insurance company can deny any claims you submit.

Amazingglazier

No they can't, but they might try to subrogate against the persons that did the work .

AndyGump

Sorry amazing but you are about 3+ years too late.

Andy.

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