Hey everyone! I'm in a bit of a bind and really need some advice. I'm prepping to sell my house and just discovered that a bathroom addition was started without any permits. This work was done by my ex-partner who assured me he was licensed and had pulled the necessary permits, but it turns out he didn't. The bathroom is almost just a shell with some plumbing started, and I have most of the materials besides the tile and flooring.
Now I'm stuck trying to complete this project and get everything permitted as quickly as possible—ideally within four weeks—so I can list my home without any complications. The kicker is that in my area, only a licensed contractor can pull the permits and submit the drawings, which I can't do myself.
I've had trouble getting contractors to commit, and I'm feeling the pressure. I've even thought about just restoring the bedroom back to its original state and taking the loss on the bathroom addition.
Here are my main questions:
1. How can I find a contractor willing to take on this unpermitted work? I've heard many won't due to liability issues.
2. Since I can't pull permits, what's the best way to discuss this with contractors?
3. Any general tips for handling this situation quickly and effectively so I can get my house listed by May? Any advice from those with similar experiences would be really appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
If you do go through with hiring a contractor, having a detailed plan or drawings can really help convince them to take the job. Inspectors often appreciate working with homeowners who are proactive. If you go in with a clear layout, you might have a better chance of getting someone onboard quickly. Also, remember that as long as the fixtures are simple, you can handle putting them in yourself, like the toilet or sink, once the plumbing is in place. Good luck on this—it can be tough, but you’ve got this!
Honestly, a lot depends on local regulations. In many areas, minor interior work might not need permits at all. I recently sold my home in New York after extensive renovations and didn’t hear a single question about permits from potential buyers. But if you decide you want to play it safe, make sure you hire a plumbing and electrical professional who can handle pulling those permits for you. And maybe check in with your local inspector—they usually don’t charge to go over plans beforehand, which might help you finalize what needs to be done.
This sounds like a tricky situation, especially with your tight timeline. It's definitely worth chatting with a realtor first to get a sense of how much value you'd lose if you sell as-is without the completed bathroom. Some buyers might be okay finishing it themselves, while others (like FHA loan buyers) might back out because of it. Think about the stress of rushing a job versus how much it could affect your sale price. You might find it’s closer than you think! Good luck!
Great advice! Also, you could consider talking to a couple of realtors to see if they have insights on buyers' attitudes in your area—it could help you with your decision.