Ensuring that all construction work has the necessary permits is crucial when buying or selling a house or property in Los Angeles. Proper permits ensure compliance with California’s building codes and safety standards and protect buyers and sellers from potential legal issues, including problems with real estate transactions, home insurance, and property taxes.
This guide will cover checking for the correct permits, handling unpermitted work, the permit process, and the associated costs.
Checking Construction Permits
1. Understand What Requires a Permit
Before diving into the permit-checking process, knowing what types of work typically require a permit is essential. This can include:
- Structural changes (e.g., room additions, garage construction)
- Electrical and plumbing upgrades
- Major renovations
- Roofing replacements
- HVAC installations
- ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Minor cosmetic changes like painting or flooring often do not require a permit, but zoning laws and code enforcement should be verified for all major work, especially in Southern California.
2. Request Permit Records from the Seller
When buying a house, always ask the seller for documentation of any permits pulled for work on the property. This can include copies of permits, inspection reports, and final approvals. Ensure any renovations to bathrooms, kitchens, or other key areas have been properly permitted.
3. Visit the Local Building Department
Visiting the Los Angeles building department is the most reliable way to verify construction permits. You can request permit records for the property in question. Some departments also offer online databases where you can search for permits using the property address. These online portals can be accessed through your web browser.
4. Use Online Resources
Many cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, have online portals to check permit records. These allow you to search for permits by address and view details about the type of work done and its approval status. You can even use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Reddit to learn more about real estate regulations or ask estate agents for guidance.
5. Hire a Professional Inspector
A professional home inspector can often identify signs of unpermitted work. While they cannot verify permits directly, they can highlight areas of concern that may warrant further investigation by the building department. They can spot problems with plumbing, HVAC systems, or structural issues that may impact the home’s market value.
Handling Unpermitted Work
1. Identify the Extent of Unpermitted Work
If unpermitted work is discovered, it’s essential to determine its extent and nature. This might involve a thorough inspection by a licensed contractor or home inspector. Unpermitted work could include issues like electrical upgrades or unapproved ADUs that do not meet building standards.
2. Consult with the Local Building Department
Contact the Los Angeles building department to discuss the unpermitted work. They can guide the steps needed to bring the work up to code, including obtaining a retroactive permit or making corrections. This is crucial for ensuring compliance with home insurance policies and avoiding lawsuits.
3. Apply for a Retroactive Permit
A retroactive permit involves submitting plans and documentation for the unpermitted work to the building department. The work must be inspected to ensure it meets current building codes. If deficiencies are found, corrections will be required. Retroactive permits are often essential for keeping your real estate transaction on track.
4. Make Necessary Corrections
If the unpermitted work does not meet the code, you must hire licensed contractors to make the necessary corrections. These could include architectural fixes, plumbing repairs, or electrical work. Once the work is brought up to code, it must be re-inspected to ensure compliance.
5. Pay Any Associated Fees
Obtaining retroactive permits and making corrections can involve various fees, including:
- Permit application fees
- Inspection fees
- Penalties for unpermitted work
- Contractor fees for corrections
- Home insurance premium increases
The Permitting Process
1. Determine the Need for a Permit
Check with the Los Angeles building department to determine if your planned work requires a permit. Common projects needing permits include structural changes, electrical or plumbing upgrades, and major renovations. Even garage upgrades or adding extra bedrooms often require permits.
2. Submit a Permit Application
Submit detailed plans or blueprints of the proposed work and a project description. Pay the required application fee. This step may require working with a licensed contractor or architect, especially for larger projects like adding ADUs or major renovations.
3. Plan Review
The building department will review the plans to ensure they comply with local building codes and zoning regulations. This review process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Check for potential delays affecting your real estate investment or loan approval.
4. Obtain the Permit
Once the plans are approved, you’ll receive the work permit. As required by local regulations, you must display the permit on-site. Failing to do so could result in code enforcement penalties or delays in selling your property.
5. Schedule Inspections
Schedule inspections throughout construction to ensure the work is done according to the approved plans and meets all code requirements. This step is crucial to avoid complications with insurance policies, mortgages, and future sales.
6. Final Approval
After all inspections are passed, the building department will issue a final approval or a certificate of occupancy, confirming that the work complies with all regulations. This is especially important for larger real estate transactions and securing home insurance.
Associated Costs
The costs of pulling permits and addressing unpermitted work can vary widely, depending on the scope of the project and local regulations. Typical expenses include:
- Permit Application Fees: $50 – $2,000, depending on the type and scope of work
- Inspection Fees: $100 – $500 per inspection
- Correction Costs: Variable, depending on the nature of the deficiencies
- Penalties/Fines: Up to $5,000 or more for significant violations
- Contractor Fees: Variable, based on the work needed to bring the property up to code
Solutions for Unpermitted Work
At Dasaa Investments, we understand that dealing with permits and unpermitted work can be overwhelming. As real estate professionals, we can help you determine whether to list the property or sell it directly. Depending on the specific situation, both options can be beneficial.
When you choose a direct sale, you will not need to worry about pulling permits or making repairs.
- Quick and Fair Offers: We provide fast and competitive offers, allowing you to sell your property immediately.
- No Repairs Needed: We buy houses in any condition, so you don’t need to spend time or money on repairs or permits.
- Streamlined Process: Our straightforward buying process ensures a smooth and stress-free transaction.
By choosing Dasaa Investments, you can avoid the complications of unpermitted work and the permitting process, making it easier to sell your home quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Checking construction permits is essential when buying or selling a house in Los Angeles. Ensuring all work is permitted and up to code can prevent legal issues, protect market value, and ensure safety. If unpermitted work is discovered, it’s important to address it promptly. Our team can help you list the property and earn the highest price possible.
However, if you prefer to avoid the hassle, Dasaa Investments offers a convenient solution: purchase houses as-is. Contact us today to learn how we can help you sell your home without the stress and expense of dealing with permits and repairs.
Call us at (949) 232-0897.