Buying a House With Missing Permits

Missing permit records deserve careful review before inspection contingencies expire.

First steps

• Compare visible work to public permit records
• Ask for final approvals, not just permit numbers
• Use licensed inspectors or specialists for structural, electrical, plumbing, gas, or HVAC concerns

Who to call

• Local building department
• Zoning or planning office when use or placement changed
• Licensed professional for structural, electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC, or safety concerns

Helpful next steps

• Check the project guide for your scope
• Search local guides for your city or county
• Verify current requirements with the authority having jurisdiction

This page is general planning guidance, not legal, engineering, architectural, or code-compliance advice.