You probably won’t even know about a code violation until you attempt to sell the home. And in this case, it will be the home buyer’s inspector that will inform you of the issue.
Furthermore, there are literally hundreds, if not thousands of codes to keep up with, so tracking them can be tough. Local contractors are pretty well versed in building code though, and a good one can usually give you their professional opinion.
However, there are a few that are very common…
Common Code Violations
Most violations occur when a homeowner adds more living space to the home without obtaining permits prior. Another common violation occurs when water heaters or electrical points are installed without proper permission. I’ve also seen roofing that failed flame resistance testing and smoke detectors that weren’t up to code.
If the code violation is easy to fix, you can do so before the home even goes to inspection. For instance, if you know that you don’t have Co2 detectors installed on every floor, install them before you put your home on the market.
If the code violation is more complicated, this is when things get sticky. Every buyer wants to be provided with a clear and marketable title. This means that when you buy a home, you want to be assured that the home is free of encumbrances and that another potential buyer would also want to buy the home if you choose to sell it in the future.
If you have code violations, the title is not clear and very few people would want to buy the house, so you must eradicate the violations prior to selling. And if you can’t eradicate the violation, you can’t sell the house.
How To Fix A Code Violation
If you think that your house may be in violation, contact the municipality immediately. Usually, they are willing to work with homeowners to resolve the issue. Also, if you have liens, sanctions, or fines, you may be able to negotiate them down to a reasonable amount.
Once you have a clear picture of the exact violations, you can hire a contractor to obtain the proper permitting and bring the issue up to code. Of course, you’ll have to pay for the permits, labor, and fines — But once this is all done, you can put the home on the market with ease.
If you’re in need of someone to walk you through this process, I can help! Just reply back to this email or send me a text. No pressure, no sales tactics, just helpful advice and the guidance you need!
And finally, if you’re not thinking about making a move just yet, feel free to save this link for future reference, so you can come back to it!
P.S. Be sure to check out my free local Facebook Group. It’s a great place to connect with other community members and get weekly updates on the best events and happenings in and around town!
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