Non-Permitted or Non-Conforming Rooms, Additions, or Alterations

Buyers are advised to be cautious about properties that have been remodeled with new additions or significant alterations.  If these additions and alterations were made without permits they may be non-conforming and, if discovered by code enforcement officials, removed at the owners cost.  As such, before purchasing a home a buyer is encouraged to compare the actual building to the public records pertaining to the building and ensure that any additions or changes made to the building were done so according to building code and with the appropriate permits. 

Sellers, if they are unaware of whether or not pre-existing improvements or alterations to their building are approved, are encouraged to find out prior to attempting to sell. Removing an addition or bringing it up to code can be costly and may inhibit the owner’s ability to sell the property.