purchased a house w/illegal conversion

[tammilkat]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Washington state
Approximately a year ago we purchased a home contingent on home inspection. The seller agreed to fix the items we identified and we accepted the property with the other identified issues to fix at our own expense. Since moving in we gradually noticed more defects caused by what we assumed to be badly executed DIY projects. We resigned ourselves to fixing those as well as soon a funds became available. This weekend after yet another such discovery I began to wonder how it was that these were all happening if the previous owner had obtained permits/inspections. Monday I contacted the county building department and learned there were no permits for the conversion from garage to living space, the previous occupant had resided here since at least 1984 when she was deeded the property in a divorce proceeding. In the disclosure she checked no for conversions, additions or remodeling. Only one neighbor has lived nearby for an extended period and while they are certain it was not a den when they moved in they do not remember details. Is there anything I can do aside from live and learn or is this all on us?

 

[FlyingRon]

The home inspection means nothing here. They don't verify permit history.

You have a possible course of action based on the disclosure issue if fraudulent. What did the county tell you that you had to do about the permit issue?

You probably will not recover based on the "DIY" nature of the repairs. That's stuff that was NOT concealed from you and your pre-sale inspection.

 

[tammilkat]

The county stated we would need to hire an architect to create plans for the conversion and submit them as if we were going to build it. We would then have to pay double the permit costs for not applying in the first place. In addition we will have to acquire electrical permits from the state since they did electrical work, which will incur a penalty of its own. When we purchased the home we did not suspect the addition was a DIY job and neither us or the two realtors thought to question the integrity of this woman regarding an illegal conversion.

 

[HomeGuru]

The county stated we would need to hire an architect to create plans for the conversion and submit them as if we were going to build it. We would then have to pay double the permit costs for not applying in the first place. In addition we will have to acquire electrical permits from the state since they did electrical work, which will incur a penalty of its own. When we purchased the home we did not suspect the addition was a DIY job and neither us or the two realtors thought to question the integrity of this woman regarding an illegal conversion.

**A: why did you or your Realtor do your own permit research at the building department?
That is pretty much standard practice.

 

[HuAi]

Better yet, why call the county on yourself - you could've lived there for years and been none the wiser.

 

[HomeGuru]

Better yet, why call the county on yourself - you could've lived there for years and been none the wiser.

**A: great idea.

 

[Cedrus]

Well, it might not be ALL that bad. Look in the yellow pages and see if you can find a "Designer". Perhaps he/she can draw up plans for a lot less than an architect. Might have to take plans to an engineer for a stamp. Maybe not.

Permit cost goes from $200 to $400 ? Electrical permit would be standard fee. Penalty fee is not stated by you. Bet it would not be much. $100 or so ?

Ask some local long-time contractors who are the good guys (inspectors and plan approvers) at the building department and who are the roadblocks. Ask about the head of the building department and get a read on him/her. Reasonable person? Contact in person, directly.

Hope this is helpful.