Skip Navigation
StreetEasy Logo

Work without permits?

Started by 2013nyc
about 10 years ago
Posts: 67
Member since: Feb 2013
Discussion about
Looking at buying a townhouse and find from the DofB that no one has ever taken out a permit to work on that building in decades. The building has recently updated roofing, electrical, plumbing, etc. all without permits. Besides the possibility of shoddy wok that needs to be redone what else might be costing me money here? Do I have to bring things up to code if they aren't already? How would this affect your negotiations on purchase price? Thank you!
Response by jelj13
about 10 years ago
Posts: 821
Member since: Sep 2011

I'd stay away from that deal. The inspectors can come in and make you rip out walls to check that the electrical and plumbing work was done properly. That happened to some relatives of mine.

They applied for a permit after buying a house. The inspectors discovered a ton of work done by the prior owner without permits. They went through absolute hell and spent a small fortune to straighten this out since a lot of the work had not been done to code.

Ignored comment. Unhide
Response by Flutistic
about 10 years ago
Posts: 516
Member since: Apr 2007

If I really loved the place I'd get an expediter's opinion of the situation. You can search discussions here for the names of good ones to contact.

Ignored comment. Unhide
Response by 2013nyc
about 10 years ago
Posts: 67
Member since: Feb 2013

Good advice! I'll touch base with an expediter and maybe a couple of contractors. Thank you!

Ignored comment. Unhide

Add Your Comment

Most popular

  1. Wealth Gap have a < effect on the working man?
    47 Comments
  2. 55% of New Yorkers won't
    23 Comments
  3. More on land leases
    35 Comments
  4. Major appliances
    22 Comments
  5. Park Avenue on Sale
    58 Comments