Selling a House With Unpermitted Work

Unpermitted work can create buyer, lender, insurer, and disclosure questions.

First steps

• Search permit records before listing
• Gather invoices, photos, drawings, and contractor information
• Ask the local office how after-the-fact review works before opening walls

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.