230918
Home Buyers Public Service Announcement
Flippers and Remodelers don’t always Pull and Close permits.
Some permits are pulled as “Remodeling” and the “Required” Mechanical and Structural permits have been pulled.Prior to your home inspection,
confirm remodeling permits were pulled and closed.
Though Flippers are required to disclose defects when they sell a property in Wisconsin, they have a vested interest in the sale, so they may be on the fence when it comes to their “opinion” as to what constitutes a defect that should be disclosed on the Sellers Real Estate Condition Report. Along these lines, Flippers and Home Sellers may apply for a remodeling permit, but not complete the work, not have it inspected, and not close the permit. This scenario can leave the buyer with the financial burden of finishing the work when they sell the property in the future.
I recently inspected a home that appeared above average “on the surface”. Most buyers and sellers are drawn to updated Kitchens and Bathrooms. The Kitchen and Bathrooms visually did not disappoint. The buyers were in love with the new tile floor that ran from the living room hallway, through the kitchen and dining area to the garage.
But I don’t believe permits were pulled and if so, they surely weren’t closed. There were energized exposed electrical wires behind a non-compliant wall plate and a newer tile floor installation that raised the height of the floor almost an inch. This in turn now created trip hazards at transitions to the kitchen, bathroom, stairs to the second floor, stairs to the basement and the step height from the garage.
After I mentioned the irregularities in the floor, the buyers said they wondered why they kept tripping as
they walked through the house.
This is a short read but the take-away is important. You may not get strong encouragement to see if all remodeling permits were pulled and closed on a home that captures your heart, but heartache can last a long time after closing if you discover work that was not done properly. Vet your home inspector.
Think twice about buying a home without an inspection.
Check us out or call us to learn how to select a home inspector who unequivocally knows that YOU are the number one priority.
Donn Anderson, CMI
Certified Master Inspector
