I have a quick pre closing question. THANKS in advance for any help. We are doing our due diligence on a unit that has recently been renovated. The sellers put a w/d hookup in but for some reason did not install the actual w/d. Their explanation as to why is that they didn't want to get the requisite "city permits." I'm concerned/confused for a couple of reasons... Wouldn't a permit be necessary... [more]
I have a quick pre closing question. THANKS in advance for any help.
We are doing our due diligence on a unit that has recently been renovated. The sellers put a w/d hookup in but for some reason did not install the actual w/d. Their explanation as to why is that they didn't want to get the requisite "city permits." I'm concerned/confused for a couple of reasons...
Wouldn't a permit be necessary for the physical wet/electric hookup (and not the mere appliance installation)? If the sellers already did this, what more city permits do they need to install the unit? Does the city ever require additional permits for merely installing an appliance when a hookup is already in place?
I ask because I'm afraid the board merely rejected the sellers previous request to get a unit once the hookup was in. I believe they also put the hook up in a closet next to a bathroom, BUT a closet that would be located over a lower floor closet (i.e., wet over dry). And I think this building is particularly difficult with allowing w/ds. The bizarre thing is that I know there are other units in the building with w/ds.
What can I do to insure that I can install one?
Any coop owners, board members have thoughts on this? Its such a bizarre situation.
THANKS!!!!
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Response by lobster
about 16 years ago
Posts: 1147
Member since: May 2009
Bob, I'm certainly not able to advise you about whether or not to proceed, but I can tell you that I have not seen what you describe in all the months that I've been looking for an apartment. An in-unit W/D is a must for me in my apartment search. What I have seen is either (1) an in-unit W/D, (2) a hookup installed by the developer or sponsor and the present owner for some reason took out the W/D or (3) a broker telling me possible locations in an apartment for me to install a W/D and hookup assuming board approval.
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Response by front_porch
about 16 years ago
Posts: 5325
Member since: Mar 2008
Call the managing agent.
ali r.
DG Neary Realty
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Response by kar3f
about 16 years ago
Posts: 57
Member since: Sep 2009
I have seen a hookup in place, but no actual W/D. The explanation was that the hookup was there and they wanted to put in the W/D, but didn't bother because they knew they were going to sell the apt anyway. Also, I believe installing the actual appliance still required board approval (they didn't expect board approval to be a problem because of the hookup and prior approvals/precedent). However, the board was very specific regarding which brand and model number they could install (energy and water issues). So, they decided to leave it to the next buyer...
This was a specific case. But, each case is different. So, you definitely need to ask the managing agent 1) if W/D is permitted, and if so, what approvals are required; 2) if permitted, possible locations in apartment; 3) specific requirements for units (brand/model, etc.);
DO NOT just believe the seller or the broker (or even the lawyer). DO YOUR OWN DUE DILIGENCE. It may be fine, but you do not want to second guess yourself later (especially if there is an issue after you buy)...
Bob, I'm certainly not able to advise you about whether or not to proceed, but I can tell you that I have not seen what you describe in all the months that I've been looking for an apartment. An in-unit W/D is a must for me in my apartment search. What I have seen is either (1) an in-unit W/D, (2) a hookup installed by the developer or sponsor and the present owner for some reason took out the W/D or (3) a broker telling me possible locations in an apartment for me to install a W/D and hookup assuming board approval.
Call the managing agent.
ali r.
DG Neary Realty
I have seen a hookup in place, but no actual W/D. The explanation was that the hookup was there and they wanted to put in the W/D, but didn't bother because they knew they were going to sell the apt anyway. Also, I believe installing the actual appliance still required board approval (they didn't expect board approval to be a problem because of the hookup and prior approvals/precedent). However, the board was very specific regarding which brand and model number they could install (energy and water issues). So, they decided to leave it to the next buyer...
This was a specific case. But, each case is different. So, you definitely need to ask the managing agent 1) if W/D is permitted, and if so, what approvals are required; 2) if permitted, possible locations in apartment; 3) specific requirements for units (brand/model, etc.);
DO NOT just believe the seller or the broker (or even the lawyer). DO YOUR OWN DUE DILIGENCE. It may be fine, but you do not want to second guess yourself later (especially if there is an issue after you buy)...