Basement finished w/o permit - Implications ?

[sun1974]

What is the name of your state? NJ (Central NJ)
I finished the basement in a townhome after 1 bought it 2 years back.
Due to the time and delay involved in getting the permit, I didnt try to get a permit when the work was done.

I had basically done a new wall around the furnace, provided an entry door (solid door), did dropped ceilings, six recess lights, and did berber carpetting.

I might be interested to sell the home in the next few months time. I need to know, if the prospective seller might ask for details re the basement construction or not ? If yes, I might need to go to the township and pay the fine and get the inspection. Is that the best possible option ?
Considering the fact that I didnot do any bathroom or sink, the rejection rate could be mininal, right ?
In worst case, what could be action taken by the inspector ? Anyone in central NJ area, pls share their experience...

Thanks,
Sun1974

[HomeGuru]

[quote=sun1974]What is the name of your state? NJ (Central NJ)
I finished the basement in a townhome after 1 bought it 2 years back.
Due to the time and delay involved in getting the permit, I didnt try to get a permit when the work was done.

I had basically done a new wall around the furnace, provided an entry door (solid door), did dropped ceilings, six recess lights, and did berber carpetting.

I might be interested to sell the home in the next few months time. I need to know, if the prospective seller might ask for details re the basement construction or not ?

**A: no, but a prospective Buyer may.
********
If yes, I might need to go to the township and pay the fine and get the inspection. Is that the best possible option ?

**A: yes.
******
Considering the fact that I didnot do any bathroom or sink, the rejection rate could be mininal, right ?

**A: no.
*********
In worst case, what could be action taken by the inspector ?

**A: a fine and restoration of the premsises back to the original condition.
*********

[sun1974]

Hi there:

Thanks for the prompt reply.. I actually meant prospective buyer , not seller.
Anyway, I will try to ask the township to come and inspect the work.
I might say that I did this a few months back.Would that be OK ?

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by sun1974

Hi there:

Thanks for the prompt reply.. I actually meant prospective buyer , not seller.
Anyway, I will try to ask the township to come and inspect the work.
I might say that I did this a few months back.Would that be OK ?

**A: even if i was looking into a crystal ball I would not know.
I do not know your local building, zoning and health codes and can not inspect the construction work.

[annefan]

Forget about prospective buyers. Does your township or city necessitate a U&O permit? Because THAT is where you can get caught. You might just fess up now or risk higher penalties later.

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by annefan

Forget about prospective buyers. Does your township or city necessitate a U&O permit? Because THAT is where you can get caught. You might just fess up now or risk higher penalties later.

**A: what kind of permit is that and how is that different from a UFO permit?

[annefan]

It stands for Use & Occupancy, and in PA & NJ many (almost all) townships/boroughs/cities have it. Homesellers must apply for the U&O permit when they are going to sell. The seller must provide the permit, which is issued by the township, etc. and permits are not issued until an inspection is done by the township/boro/city inspector.

We had a client selling his home last August in a township here that is notorious for being very strict issuing the U&Os. The seller was the builder of his home (sale price was $799,900) yet because he failed to obtain the proper permit when he finished his basement (after recording sale), he was socked with hefty penalties (approx $4,000) plus had to tear out alot of electrical and wiring work, because the township would not issue the required U&O permit based on #1...his violation for failing to obtain the proper building permit to begin with.
Oftentimes these municipalities can be more strict than the FHA. My dad lives in NJ and his municipality has this too, same as Pa.

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by annefan

It stands for Use & Occupancy, and in PA & NJ many (almost all) townships/boroughs/cities have it. Homesellers must apply for the U&O permit when they are going to sell. The seller must provide the permit, which is issued by the township, etc. and permits are not issued until an inspection is done by the township/boro/city inspector.

We had a client selling his home last August in a township here that is notorious for being very strict issuing the U&Os. The seller was the builder of his home (sale price was $799,900) yet because he failed to obtain the proper permit when he finished his basement (after recording sale), he was socked with hefty penalties (approx $4,000) plus had to tear out alot of electrical and wiring work, because the township would not issue the required U&O permit based on #1...his violation for failing to obtain the proper building permit to begin with.
Oftentimes these municipalities can be more strict than the FHA. My dad lives in NJ and his municipality has this too, same as Pa.

**A: ok, thanks.

[Brownfieldman]

Many municipalities here in New Jersey refer to it as a 'Certificate of Occupancy' or the more recent 'Certificate of Code Compliance' prior to the sale

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by Brownfieldman

Many municipalities here in New Jersey refer to it as a 'Certificate of Occupancy' or the more recent 'Certificate of Code Compliance' prior to the sale

**A: does that apply to resales as well as the building code requirement for new construction?