Short answerThey can be. Unpermitted work may not count toward square footage in an appraisal, may hide wiring or plumbing problems, and may raise insurance or disclosure questions. Many older homes have some. The fix ranges from documenting the work to getting a permit after the fact, depending on the local building department.
What do inspectors check?
Workmanship, electrical and plumbing in the added space, egress, and signs the work differs from the original house.
What are the common findings?
- Basement bedrooms without egress windows.
- Amateur wiring.
- Additions on weak foundations.
How serious is it?
Depends on the quality of the work. Safety items come first.
What does it cost to fix?
Costs vary widely with the house. Get a quote from a qualified contractor before you negotiate.
When is a specialist needed?
A licensed electrician or structural engineer for questionable work. The local building department explains its permit process.
If you are selling
Fix cheap safety items before listing, get a quote on anything big, and disclose what you know. What to fix before listing. Ask a real estate attorney how to disclose unpermitted work.
If you are buying
Sort the finding into normal for age, negotiate, specialist, or walk away. What to ask the seller to fix.
Frequently asked questions
Will an appraiser count an unpermitted addition?
It depends on the appraiser and the work. Ask your lender.
Can I get a permit after the fact?
Many building departments have a process. Ask the local office.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.