Some friends are looking at buying a new house but when I did inspection looked like much of the work done looks like no permits were pulled. When I asked the home owner they were evasive.

What happens if friends buy house and then a year later pipe bursts or house catches on fire because something was not to code? Is it "buyer beware"? :eek:

I would advise not to buy that home. Unless they really want that home - but that make a condition to the sale that everything has to be inspected by someone licensed and any and all repairs done to meet city code. The seller would have to pay for that.

You are right - something could go wrong and then what? They are stuck if they do not get the proper inspection and work done before signing anything.

Did you report the work done without a permit to the city? Should be some penalties for the home owener.

is it "buyer beware"? Hello K:

It IS!

excon

It's not only "buyer beware", but if the work is seriously not to code and the building inspectors find out (for example, if they come out to look at other work), the new owner may be forced to remove all the non-code work. That may not matter if it's just a deck, but it's a big deal if the extra bedroom and bathroom suddenly get torn off the house because they don't meet code. And then you get into real problems, because your mortgage (and buying price) were for a (say) three bedroom, two bath house, and now you have a two bedroom one bath house if you try and resell it.

Personally, I'd walk from that deal unless they were willing to get the work permitted. There are cases where they will come out and inspect after the work's been done.

Call up the city (or if out in the country the county) and report them as not having the proper permits posted. The city or county will be out in a heartbeat to fine them and make sure the work is done properly. Being evasive doesn't wash with a building inspector. They have it coming if they are that lame.

Of course you did not say what work, a lot of basic remodel work (not plumbing and electric) will not always requrie permits within the limits of the city codes.

That is why when buying homes you have a very close home inspection done.

What Father Chuck says about remodeling is true. I gutted my kitchen in my townhome, took it down to the bare walls and put in new lights, cabinets, sink, and appliances. Since I wasn't changing the footprint of the kitchen, the only thing that needed to be inspected was the new circuit they ran for the microwave oven/hood, since that was new.