building permit(s)

[SirMixAlot]

It appears that structural additions were made to a property
I am interested in. It was disclosed to me that the City has
no building permits on file. What can I do to insure that the
materials used and the architectural structures
meets the required building codes?? This was based upon
a property inspection that was completed.

Which professional organization can I contact in seeking
this type of assistance??

I do not wish to find out that once I purchase
this piece of property, that the walls on this
structure will need to be torn down.
Need guidance and direction on this issue.

Note:
This property has been around for over 70-80 years and the
current permits that I have obtained are for the restorations
being done currently. (New foundation, roofing, electrical work
and plumbing.) No other records on file otherwise.

 

[HomeGuru]

It appears that structural additions were made to a property
I am interested in. It was disclosed to me that the City has
no building permits on file. What can I do to insure that the
materials used and the architectural structures
meets the required building codes?? This was based upon
a property inspection that was completed.

**A: you can have the CIty do an inspection and write in your contract that the Seller obtain the required permits or it is no sale. You can hire an architect, engineer, real estate appraiser, home inspector, general contractor etc.
Since the structure is already built, there is no way to guaranty materials and code compliance of areas hidden from view ie. framing, continous load paths, plumbing, electrical, sheathing, insulation etc.
*********
Which professional organization can I contact in seeking
this type of assistance??

**A: any one that the professional above belong to such American Institue of Architects, National Association of Professional Engineers, National Home Builders association, American Association of Home Inspectors etc.
*********
I do not wish to find out that once I purchase
this piece of property, that the walls on this
structure will need to be torn down.
Need guidance and direction on this issue.

**A: you have a valid concern. That is why you need to put in your contract that the Seller obtain the permits to make everything legal. If not, you may run into not only a problem with the building and zoning code enforcement people but have a problem with the real estate appraisal and getting insurance. Also, if you accept "as-is" at any time you could be cited buy the building inspector for no permit. Worse case would be that they will give you notice to tear down the unpermitted structure.
*****************

Note:
This property has been around for over 70-80 years and the
current permits that I have obtained are for the restorations
being done currently. (New foundation, roofing, electrical work
and plumbing.) No other records on file otherwise.

**A: in that case, talk to the project consultants ie. architect, engineer, builder, subcontractors etc. and the county building inspector.

 

[SirMixAlot]

Re: Re: building permit(s)

It appears that structural additions were made to a property
I am interested in. It was disclosed to me that the City has
no building permits on file. What can I do to insure that the
materials used and the architectural structures
meets the required building codes?? This was based upon
a property inspection that was completed.

**A: you can have the CIty do an inspection and write in your contract that the Seller obtain the required permits or it is no sale. You can hire an architect, engineer, real estate appraiser, home inspector, general contractor etc.
Since the structure is already built, there is no way to guaranty materials and code compliance of areas hidden from view ie. framing, continous load paths, plumbing, electrical, sheathing, insulation etc.
*********
Which professional organization can I contact in seeking
this type of assistance??

**A: any one that the professional above belong to such American Institue of Architects, National Association of Professional Engineers, National Home Builders association, American Association of Home Inspectors etc.
*********
I do not wish to find out that once I purchase
this piece of property, that the walls on this
structure will need to be torn down.
Need guidance and direction on this issue.

**A: you have a valid concern. That is why you need to put in your contract that the Seller obtain the permits to make everything legal. If not, you may run into not only a problem with the building and zoning code enforcement people but have a problem with the real estate appraisal and getting insurance. Also, if you accept "as-is" at any time you could be cited buy the building inspector for no permit. Worse case would be that they will give you notice to tear down the unpermitted structure.
*****************

Note:
This property has been around for over 70-80 years and the
current permits that I have obtained are for the restorations
being done currently. (New foundation, roofing, electrical work
and plumbing.) No other records on file otherwise.

**A: in that case, talk to the project consultants ie. architect, engineer, builder, subcontractors etc. and the county building inspector.

Thanks for your proffesional advise. The inspector I had used
previously had suggested about inquiring on a building permit.
I've checked with the City and they showed me the file on the
property and it was not even worth driving down there for
because there was nothing substantial not even an original floor
plan of the property. With the current restoration being applied
to the property and the asking price isn't so shabby.

Sorry went off kilter here., do you think it would be wise to use
the same Home inspector that I had previously used and have
him thoroughly check the additional areas he felt were added on???

I am a first time home buyer.... What other avenues do you deem
necessary that I would need to consider when purchasing such
an old home as this?? I noticed that my neighbors trees is leaning up against the garage. not a concern really but trying to
keep focus on the avenues of purchasing a home if you know what I mean

So if you can broaden my knowledge of home buying... would be
greatly appreciated. I just need to be sure that I had covered all the essentials before I make a final investment decision. Thanks

 

[HomeGuru]

If the home inspector is qualified to do progress construction inspections, then yes. In addition to permits nake sure that you et a current survey, title report, environmental hazard check, pest inspection etc.

I suggest that you go to the nearest bookstore or online site as there are hundreds of books on homebuying.
Good luck to you.