Selling a property in Los Angeles, especially one with unpermitted work, can be tricky. Unpermitted work refers to any construction or renovation done without obtaining the necessary permits from Los Angeles city authorities or other California code enforcement bodies. This can lead to complications in real estate transactions, including issues with insurance, zoning, and even property tax.
If you’re looking to sell a house with unpermitted work, we’ve got the steps you need to take, the costs involved, and how Dasaa Investments can help with a fast, as-is sale.
Handling Unpermitted Work
1. Identify the Extent of Unpermitted Work:
Start by identifying all unpermitted construction on your property. This might involve:
- Reviewing any available documents, news, or previous home inspection reports.
- Consult a licensed architect, engineer, or real estate agent for advice on building codes.
- We conduct a thorough building inspection for plumbing, air conditioning, kitchen, bathroom updates, and garage or bedroom conversions.
2. Consult with the Local Building Department
Contact the Los Angeles Building Department. to discuss the work that is not permitted. They will inform you of the necessary steps to legalize the work, including applying for retroactive permits or modifying work to meet California zoning and code enforcement regulations. Be sure to ask for information about property tax implications and whether any insurance policy updates are needed.
3. Apply for Retroactive Permits
You may need to apply for retroactive permits, especially if the unpermitted work involves structural changes like adding an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), kitchen renovation, or plumbing and air conditioning systems. Submit detailed plans to the Los Angeles City Building Department and pay any applicable fees. These permits are necessary for avoiding future legal issues such as fines, lawsuits, or claims on your home insurance.
4. Schedule Inspections
After the permits are issued, schedule building inspections to verify that the work complies with Los Angeles zoning and safety standards. You must pass all plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical system inspections. This process is essential to avoid hazards and ensure the overall quality of life in the home.
5. Make Necessary Corrections
If the inspections uncover deficiencies, you must make corrections. Hire licensed contractors to fix any issues involving plumbing, structural problems, or building code violations. The cost may vary depending on the market value of materials and labor.
6. Obtain Final Approval
Once the corrections are made and inspections are passed, the building department will issue a certificate of occupancy. This document proves the work is legal and safe, which is crucial for selling your home, updating your insurance policy, and ensuring that the property meets local real estate law.
The Permitting Process
1. Determine the Need for a Permit
Not all renovations require a permit, but major changes like adding an ADU, upgrading bathrooms, or installing air conditioning units do. Check with the Los Angeles zoning office or visit their website to see if your project needs Approval.
2. Submit a Permit Application
Prepare detailed plans and submit them to the Los Angeles city building department. Include all necessary details, like bedroom, garage, or bathroom changes. Don’t forget to pay the application fee, which can vary depending on the scope of work.
3. Plan Review
The building department will review your plans to ensure compliance with California building codes. Depending on the project’s complexity, this process could take time, particularly for larger projects like adding ADUs or converting garages.
4. Obtain the Permit
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive the necessary permits to begin work. As required by CalifornPermitPermitlding law, you must display the Permit on-site.
5. Schedule Inspections
As you complete various project phases, schedule building inspections to ensure compliance with Los Angeles building codes. This step is crucial for avoiding fines and protecting your home insurance claims.
6. Final Approval
After the final inspection, you will receive a certificate of occupancy confirming that your home meets all safety standards and California real estate law requirements. This document is important when dealing with potential buyers and real estate agents.
Associated Costs
Legalizing unpermitted work comes with costs that vary depending on the type of work involved. Some common expenses include:
- Permit Application Fees: $50 – $2,000, based on the project scope.
- Inspection Fees: $100 – $500 per inspection.
- Correction Costs depend on the specific work, such as upgrading plumbing or electrical systems or making structural repairs.
- Contractor Fees: Vary based on the complexity of the work and market rates.
- Penalties/Fines: Up to $5,000 for major violations of building or zoning codes.
- Home Insurance Updates: Your insurance policy may need to be revised after legalizing unpermitted work.
How Dasaa Investments Can Help
At Dasaa Investments, we specialize in purchasing Los Angeles properties as-is, meaning you don’t need to worry about obtaining permits or dealing with unpermitted work. Our service is ideal for sellers looking to avoid the complexities of building inspections, insurance policy issues, or costly renovations. Here’s how we help:
Quick and Fair Offers
We provide fast, competitive offers based on the current market value of your home, allowing you to sell without worrying about unpermitted work.
No Repairs Needed
We buy homes in any condition, so you won’t need to invest in plumbing, air conditioning, or other expensive repairs before selling.
Streamlined Process
Our process is designed to minimize the stress of selling a property in Los Angeles, especially one with unpermitted work. We handle the legal and building requirements, ensuring a smooth transaction.
Avoid Legal and Financial Risks
Selling directly to us helps avoid risks like lawsuits, fines, or increased insurance premiums. You don’t need to worry about bringing your home up to code before selling.
By choosing Dasaa Investments, you can sell your Los Angeles property quickly and without the headache of legalizing unpermitted work.
Call us today at (949) 232-0897 or email us to learn how we can help you sell your home without the hassle. We’re ready to provide you with a fast, fair offer!