What to do if I made an offer on a house which the owner has accepted but the appraiser noticed that one bedroom had been converted to a bathroom without a permit?

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What to do if I made an offer on a house which the owner has accepted but the appraiser noticed that one bedroom had been converted to a bathroom without a permit?

I cannot get insurance because there was no permit for the remodeling. The owner who did the remodeling died years ago. Can I have a state bldg inspector look at the house to see if it is within code and issue the permit after the fact? Does the house have to be restored to the former condition and put back on the market? Do I have to start the process all over again?

Asked on December 7, 2012 under Real Estate Law, California

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

I suggest that you consult with a real estate attorney about nthe matter to see if a permit can be issued retroactively for the remodel as a condition for the sale to go through. If not, then you should seriously consider not buying the property due to hidden costs to get the bedroom permitted.


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