Posted by michaela-ATL on November 07, 2002 at 18:15:19:
kai,
i would just be straighforward with the inspector. why don’t you go to the nspector for that area in the morning (here they usually leave their offices around 9 am) and just tell him, that you want to buy a house, that already has work done. you want to buy it and get all the necessary permits and will work with the inspector any way possible, but you won’t buy it, if he makes you tear previous work out. i would do that in person instead of on the phone. i’ve done very well just being straight with the inspectors. they’re really looking out for your best interest and if you show, that you want to work with them, they will work with you.
just get the house unhder contract, make sure you have a contingency in it, then check with the inspector. maybe you can even get him to come out.
Looking for some info on a rehab (my first). Here’s the deal, it’s a nice house in a nice area but needs lots of work. My issue is that I’ll need permits to complete what needs to be done, but - some of the work has already been finished (with no permit - I checked). I’m worried that if an inspector comes in for other issues and asks about the previously completed work, I’m going to end up tearing out lots of dry wall that was put up by someone else that I’m not counting on replacing. I’m concerned about making an offer on this house when my projected costs could be alot more than I think. Any help or experience with this type of problem would be greatly appreciated.
I don’t think you’ll have any problems. When you pull a permit it’s for specific work in a specific spot in the house. For example, if you rehab a kitchen and have an electrical inspection, the inspector will not go upstairs and check out the bathroom. It’s not included in the scope of the permit.
The real question should be how comfortable are you with the previous work. If you have any doubts call a home inspector and have it checked out from top to bottom.
hi Kai, Tray Here, i’m going to call the city tomorrow myself to find out the types of resolutions may be available. here is what i’m assuming. i’m figuring the city guys would want to come out and check it out. once they check it out they’ll make a determination on whether to fine the previous owner, forget about it, or indicate that any non compliance be made compliant by the new purchaser. i did talk to the listing agent and he has no clue about any permits… he gets these listings bulk and does not seem motivated to find out the answers himself.