{"id":102664,"date":"2026-04-07T09:15:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T16:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=102664"},"modified":"2026-04-08T08:18:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T15:18:37","slug":"selling-a-house-with-unpermitted-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/selling-a-house-with-unpermitted-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Selling a House With Unpermitted Work: A Basic Guide to Keep Yourself Covered"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s a certain satisfaction that comes with taking on a project yourself\u2014hauling in the lumber, getting the job done with your own two hands. But when it comes time to sell that home, if the work you did\u2014or had done\u2014was never officially greenlit by the city, things are likely to get a little more complicated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, don\u2019t fret; you still have options. Whether you\u2019re moving on from a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/17680\/CA\/Santa-Cruz\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">house in Santa Cruz <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or putting your<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/1826\/MA\/Boston\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Boston home up for sale<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can sell your house with unpermitted work \u2013 as long as you do it the right way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is unpermitted work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unpermitted work means any renovation, repair, or addition to a home that legally required a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/when-do-i-need-a-building-permit\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">permit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> but was done without one. This could be as simple as a deck extension or as major as converting a garage into a bedroom or even adding a bathroom. As Arnie Gess, President of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/constructionlinks.ca\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Construction Links Network<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, explains, \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skipping permits may save time upfront, but it can create challenges when selling your home. From failed inspections to legal risks, the consequences can be costly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might have bought the place with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nolo.com\/legal-encyclopedia\/discovering-unpermitted-construction-when-selling-your-home.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unpermitted work already done<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You might\u2019ve done it yourself, figuring \u201cgood enough\u201d was good enough. Either way, if the local building authority doesn\u2019t have it on record, it\u2019s technically not up to code\u2014even if it\u2019s built to last.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you sell a house with unpermitted work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-sell-your-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sell a house<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with unpermitted work. There\u2019s no law saying a home with unpermitted work can\u2019t be sold. But there are steps, risks, and disclosures that come into play. As Glenn Stein, Broker Owner of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.buysellthevillages.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Realty Executives In The Villages<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, puts it, \u201cUnpermitted work is a silent deal-killer. The moment it appears in an inspection report, the buyer gains the upper hand. The smart seller confronts it before going to market, because in real estate, control is everything, and once you lose it, you rarely get it back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the most common issues sellers run into:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Disclosure requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You\u2019re legally obligated to tell potential buyers about known unpermitted work. Trying to hide it is not an option.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lender hesitation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If a buyer needs a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/mortgage-basics\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the unpermitted work can spook lenders. They don\u2019t like loose ends, and they definitely don\u2019t want to loan on a house that could bring future liability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Appraisal problems:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-boost-home-value\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appraisers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often can\u2019t include unpermitted square footage in the home\u2019s valuation. That sweet basement bar you built? Worth zilch in their eyes unless it\u2019s legal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insurance risks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If something goes wrong in that unpermitted addition, insurance might not cover it. Something like an electrical fire in your DIY attic office will be entirely on you. Mike LaFirenza, CEO of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/constructioncoverage.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Construction Coverage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, says, \u201cThe risk comes with unpermitted structural, electrical, or plumbing work. These can disrupt appraisals, shrink the buyer pool, and cause lender issues. Most importantly, if something goes wrong after the sale\u2014like an electrical fire or structural failure\u2014you could face serious legal claims if the work wasn\u2019t fully disclosed.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assess the situation and document everything<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you do anything, take stock of your situation in its entirety.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pull records from the city or county<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Your local building department can tell you what permits were issued. If there\u2019s no record for that second story or bathroom, it\u2019s time to start asking questions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Get a contractor\u2019s assessment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A licensed contractor can evaluate whether the unpermitted work was done to code\u2014even if it wasn\u2019t inspected. If it\u2019s solid, you\u2019ve got some ammo to reassure buyers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Find a home inspector<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A thorough <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-inspection\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home inspection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even one you pay for up front, can ease buyer fears later. Think of it as looking up your route before a long hike\u2014you want to know what\u2019s waiting for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should you: fix it, permit it, or sell as-is?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve sized up the situation, you\u2019ve got a few ways to proceed. None of them are pain-free.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Retroactive permitting<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some jurisdictions allow you to apply for a \u201cretroactive\u201d or \u201cafter-the-fact\u201d permit. This is often the best route if you\u2019ve done high-quality work and have the time to deal with local government.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll likely need:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plans drawn up by an architect or engineer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspections (which may involve opening walls or ceilings)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial reserves to cover fees and possibly penalties<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not always easy, but retroactive permitting can help you sell with fewer complications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Tear it out or fix it to code<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, retroactive permits aren\u2019t allowed or are more trouble than they\u2019re worth. If the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/mistakes-to-avoid-during-a-diy-remodel\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">work is sloppy or dangerous<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you might have no choice but to bring it up to code or remove it entirely. Jody Costello of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/contractorsfromhell.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contractors From Hell<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lays it out clearly by saying, \u201cWithout required local inspections by the city or municipality, it\u2019s easy for the contractor to pass their work as acceptable or meeting current regulations.\u201d\u00a0 Fixing this costs money. Possibly a lot. But it can make the sale smoother and safer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Sell as-is and disclose everything<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the path of least resistance, and it\u2019s legal\u2014so long as you don\u2019t intentionally hide anything. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-a-sellers-disclosure\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disclose the work in writing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Spell it out. Be upfront and as clear as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyers will still bite if the price is right or the work looks good. But you might limit yourself to cash buyers or investors who don\u2019t need financing and are used to fixer-uppers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should you price a house with unpermitted work lower?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually, yes. Homes with unpermitted work tend to sell for less than similar homes that are fully permitted. Appraisers won\u2019t factor in unpermitted <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-calculate-the-square-footage-of-your-home\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">square footage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and some buyers won\u2019t want to deal with the extra risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, if the work is well done and visible, you may still get close to market value\u2014especially in a hot market where buyers are willing to overlook issues. Just be prepared: every negotiation will likely circle back to the same question\u2014\u201cWhat happens if the city finds out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unless you\u2019ve resolved the issue beforehand, the answer is usually that the buyer takes on the risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t skip the paperwork<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find a Redfin real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who understands how to handle this kind of thing. You need clean, thorough disclosures. You might even want to consult a real estate attorney, especially if there\u2019s a lot of money on the line or you\u2019re dealing with serious violations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oren Sofrin, Owner of <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/eaglecashbuyers.com\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EagleCashBuyers.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sums it up best by advising, \u201cThe best approach is always full disclosure on the seller&#8217;s disclosure form, pricing the home accordingly (often lower to account for buyer concerns), or pursuing retroactive permits where feasible to bring the work up to code. This mitigates liability and can make the property more appealing to traditional buyers.\u201d <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your goal isn\u2019t to hide the past. It\u2019s to sell your home honestly and avoid trouble down the line.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can sell a house with unpermitted work<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selling a house with unpermitted work isn\u2019t a dead end\u2014it\u2019s just a tougher trail to walk. You\u2019ll face more questions, more paperwork, and probably a few costs you didn\u2019t see coming. But if you go into the process with open eyes and a steady hand, you can still successfully sell your house with unpermitted work.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s a certain satisfaction that comes with taking on a project yourself\u2014hauling in the lumber, getting the job done with your own two hands. But when it comes time to sell that home, if the work you did\u2014or had done\u2014was never officially greenlit by the city, things are likely to get a little more complicated.\u00a0 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":801,"featured_media":102670,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34279],"tags":[36408],"coauthors":[36411],"class_list":["post-102664","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-selling-a-home","tag-selling-a-home"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Selling a House With Unpermitted Work - Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Selling a house with unpermitted work isn\u2019t as simple as it seems. Let us walk you through the process.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/selling-a-house-with-unpermitted-work\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Selling a House With Unpermitted Work: A Basic Guide to Keep Yourself Covered\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Selling a house with unpermitted work isn\u2019t as simple as it seems. 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