Tempehrary
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
I bought a home about 9 months ago and am in the process of remodeling it. During one of the inspections, the city inspector noted that the gas line supplying the tankless water heater was too narrow and needs replacement. The heater was installed by the previous owner without permit. I contacted the seller who claims no responsibility as a) the problem was not found by the home inspector at the time of sale, and b) he did not know the heater was improperly installed and therefore had no reason to disclose it.
Looking back at the sales contract, there is a section stating that the buyer is aware that there may have been work done on the home without permit. However in another section there is a line asking the seller if he is aware of any work done without permit, to which he had answered 'no'.
To be clear, the heater is functioning well. To bring it up to code will cost approximately $2000. I am attempting to resolve the issue with the contractor who installed the water heater. If I am unable to do so, who is actually liable- the seller, the home inspector, or the contractor- or all three? Or is this something I just chalk up to experience and eat the cost?
Thanks in advance.
I bought a home about 9 months ago and am in the process of remodeling it. During one of the inspections, the city inspector noted that the gas line supplying the tankless water heater was too narrow and needs replacement. The heater was installed by the previous owner without permit. I contacted the seller who claims no responsibility as a) the problem was not found by the home inspector at the time of sale, and b) he did not know the heater was improperly installed and therefore had no reason to disclose it.
Looking back at the sales contract, there is a section stating that the buyer is aware that there may have been work done on the home without permit. However in another section there is a line asking the seller if he is aware of any work done without permit, to which he had answered 'no'.
To be clear, the heater is functioning well. To bring it up to code will cost approximately $2000. I am attempting to resolve the issue with the contractor who installed the water heater. If I am unable to do so, who is actually liable- the seller, the home inspector, or the contractor- or all three? Or is this something I just chalk up to experience and eat the cost?
Thanks in advance.