HELP!!!! Items not Disclosed

[krmach]

What is the name of your state? California

My wife and I purchased a house that was built in 1947. The owner did a few additions to the house, without permits. When we bought the house we understood that the additions, converted garage and family room, were not done with permits. We bought the house in January 2005 and moved in at the end of the month. We had a home inspection performed and the only things that were noted were some electrical and water heater issues.

Main issue: We never used the main heater that winter after purchasing the house but come this winter the main heating system was not working properly. I tried looking at it and experienced a nice gas burst in my face while the heater was trying to ignite the burners. We called the Home Warranty company to have a contractor come out and find the problem. The contractor inspected the unit and found a large number of problems with it. The main problem was that the heater was installed without permits, improperly, and obviously by the home owner. So, because it was improperly installed the Home Warranty company will not cover the replacement of the unit.

Questions: What is my recourse here? Do I get a lawyer and go after all involved: Previous Owner, Selling Agent, and Home Inspector? This was a obvious undisclosed item. We have also found a number of undisclosed items including the washing machine drains under the house, causing standing water in subfloor.

HELP, what can we do? Thank You

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by krmach

What is the name of your state? California

My wife and I purchased a house that was built in 1947. The owner did a few additions to the house, without permits. When we bought the house we understood that the additions, converted garage and family room, were not done with permits. We bought the house in January 2005 and moved in at the end of the month. We had a home inspection performed and the only things that were noted were some electrical and water heater issues.

Main issue: We never used the main heater that winter after purchasing the house but come this winter the main heating system was not working properly. I tried looking at it and experienced a nice gas burst in my face while the heater was trying to ignite the burners. We called the Home Warranty company to have a contractor come out and find the problem. The contractor inspected the unit and found a large number of problems with it. The main problem was that the heater was installed without permits, improperly, and obviously by the home owner. So, because it was improperly installed the Home Warranty company will not cover the replacement of the unit.

Questions: What is my recourse here? Do I get a lawyer and go after all involved: Previous Owner, Selling Agent, and Home Inspector? This was a obvious undisclosed item. We have also found a number of undisclosed items including the washing machine drains under the house, causing standing water in subfloor.

HELP, what can we do? Thank You

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