Introduction
Unpermitted work is more common than most homeowners realize. From a garage conversion to an added bathroom or even minor electrical upgrades, many improvements are often made without proper city permits. While they may seem harmless at the time, unpermitted work can become a serious issue when you decide to sell your home.
At Selling Your Flager, we’ve seen how these hidden problems can derail a smooth sale — but don’t worry. You can fix the situation. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify, handle, and legalize unpermitted work on your property.
🚨 What Is “Unpermitted Work”?
Unpermitted work refers to any renovation, addition, or alteration made to a home without obtaining the required local building permits. Common examples include:
- Adding or converting rooms (e.g., garage to living space)
- Electrical or plumbing upgrades
- Structural changes or load-bearing wall modifications
- Installing HVAC systems
- Decks, fences, or patios beyond approved limits
While homeowners often skip permits to save time or cost, this shortcut can result in fines, complications during resale, or even unsafe living conditions.
🔍 Step 1: Identify Any Unpermitted Work
If you suspect your home might have unpermitted modifications, here’s how to find out:
- Check your property records.
Visit your city’s building department website or office to review the existing permits tied to your property. - Compare permits with actual work.
If you notice any differences between what’s recorded and what exists — such as an added bathroom or modified layout — that’s likely unpermitted. - Hire a home inspector.
A licensed home inspector can spot changes that don’t align with the home’s original structure or code.
đź› Step 2: Evaluate the Severity
Not all unpermitted work carries the same weight.
- Minor work (like replacing fixtures or painting) may not need retroactive permits.
- Major structural, electrical, or plumbing work almost always does.
If you plan to sell, a real estate expert or contractor can help assess what level of documentation or repair will satisfy buyers and inspectors.
🧾 Step 3: Contact Your Local Building Department
Once you’ve identified the issue, reach out to your local building department. Be honest and proactive — officials usually appreciate homeowners who want to correct past mistakes.
You’ll need to:
- Submit a retroactive permit application (often called “as-built” or “after-the-fact” permit)
- Provide plans or drawings of the work completed
- Pay applicable inspection and permit fees
Inspectors will then verify whether the work meets current safety codes.
🧰 Step 4: Make Any Required Corrections
If the work doesn’t comply with modern building codes, you’ll have to make necessary corrections. This could include:
- Updating wiring or plumbing
- Reinforcing structural elements
- Adjusting room layouts or materials
A licensed contractor can guide you through these updates. Once corrections are made, your city will conduct a final inspection to legalize the work officially.
đź’ˇ Step 5: Keep All Documentation
After approval, store copies of all:
- Permits
- Inspection reports
- Contractor invoices
- Correspondence with the building department
This documentation is your proof of compliance, which will make future home sales smoother and increase buyer confidence.
💰 Step 6: If You’re Selling — Be Transparent
When listing your home, honesty is the best policy. Disclose any unpermitted work and show what steps you’ve taken to correct it. Buyers (and their agents) appreciate transparency — and it helps prevent legal disputes later.
If you can’t legalize the work before selling, you can:
- Offer credits or price adjustments to account for it
- Sell “as-is” to investors or cash buyers who accept unpermitted conditions
At Selling Your Flager, we specialize in buying homes with unpermitted work — quickly and hassle-free. You don’t have to spend months on permits or renovations; we handle it for you.
