: Ask the seller to obtain a retroactive permit before closing. This shifts the cost and risk of inspections back to them.

: If you are willing to take the risk, negotiate a lower price to cover the potential costs of bringing the work up to code or future demolition.

Detecting unpermitted work early is the most critical part of your research process.

Buying a house with unpermitted additions requires extreme due diligence because you essentially inherit all legal and safety liabilities from the previous owner. While not always a dealbreaker, these additions can impact financing, insurance, and your ability to resell the property later.

: Watch for mismatched materials (different brick or siding), oddly shaped rooms, inconsistent ceiling heights, or utility lines (pipes/wires) that are exposed or in unexpected areas.

The consequences of unpermitted work range from minor fines to major structural failures.