• This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fixing vs. Selling a House With Unpermitted Work in Maryville TN

Fixing vs. selling a house with unpermitted work in Maryville

Introduction

When you’re searching for information about fixing or selling a house with unpermitted work in Maryville, TN, it’s likely that you’re feeling a mix of frustration and uncertainty. Perhaps you’ve started renovations on your home but didn’t realize you needed permits for certain improvements. Now, you’re faced with the decision of either addressing the unpermitted work or simply selling the house as-is. You’re probably concerned about the costs, the timeline, and whether these unpermitted changes could impact the selling price or process. You may also be wondering whether it’s worth the headache to go through the effort of fixing code violations, or if it’s better to sell your house quickly for cash, avoiding these complications altogether.

You’re here to find a clear solution: Should you spend the time, money, and effort fixing the unpermitted work, or should you look at the option of selling your house without making those fixes? This blog aims to provide you with all the critical information you need to make an informed decision, outlining the benefits and drawbacks of both options. Let’s dive into the details of how to navigate this tricky situation in Maryville, TN, and why selling your house for cash might be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Understanding Unpermitted Work and Code Violations in Maryville, TN

Before we dive into the specific options available to you, it’s important to understand what constitutes unpermitted work and how code violations might affect your home’s value in Maryville, TN. Unpermitted work is any renovation, construction, or modification made to your property without the proper approval from the local government. Whether it’s an addition to your home, a new deck, or electrical work, if it wasn’t done according to the building codes and wasn’t inspected, it can be considered unpermitted.

In Tennessee, every city and county has its own set of building codes. These codes are designed to ensure the safety and structural integrity of properties. A code violation, therefore, refers to any deviation from these established guidelines. For example, if your electrical wiring doesn’t meet the safety standards outlined in the code, it could be classified as a code violation.

Both unpermitted work and code violations have significant implications for anyone trying to sell their home. Not only can they impact the sale price, but they may also prevent a sale from going through, especially if the buyer’s lender or appraiser discovers them. Understanding this risk is critical when deciding whether to fix the issue or sell as-is.

Learn more about building codes in Tennessee from the ICC Digital Codes, where you can access the most up-to-date and official building regulations that ensure your home complies with state and local standards, helping you navigate any unpermitted work or code violations with confidence.

The Cost of Fixing Unpermitted Work: Is It Worth It?

If you decide to address the unpermitted work in your home, you’ll need to factor in the costs involved. The price of fixing unpermitted work depends on the extent of the modifications and the type of work that was done. For instance, if your property has an unpermitted addition, you may need to tear down part or all of it to bring the house into compliance. This could easily cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the size and scope of the addition.

Even if you’re not tearing down walls, the cost of hiring contractors to bring the unpermitted work up to code can be significant. For example, electrical work that doesn’t meet code might need to be rewired, potentially costing $1,500 to $3,000. Similarly, plumbing or structural violations could range from $2,000 to $10,000 to fix.

In addition to repair costs, you’ll also need to apply for permits, which can involve filing paperwork, paying fees, and scheduling inspections. The permitting process can take weeks or even months, and there’s no guarantee that the work will pass inspection the first time.

For many homeowners in Maryville, TN, the cost and time required to fix unpermitted work can be prohibitive, especially if they are already under financial stress or need to sell quickly.

What Happens If You Sell a House With Unpermitted Work?

If you’re considering selling your house without fixing the unpermitted work, there are several factors to weigh. First and foremost, selling a house with unpermitted work is legal in Tennessee, but it may present challenges. Buyers, especially those relying on conventional financing, may be hesitant to move forward if they discover the unpermitted changes. Lenders often require that all work on a property be permitted and up to code, so if unpermitted work is found, they may refuse to provide a mortgage.

Additionally, buyers might demand a price reduction to account for the cost of bringing the home into compliance, or they might ask you to fix the violations before completing the sale. In some cases, if the unpermitted work is substantial or dangerous, buyers might walk away from the deal entirely.

However, selling to a cash buyer may provide a much simpler solution. Cash buyers are often more willing to purchase homes with unpermitted work because they don’t have to worry about getting financing. In fact, selling a house with unpermitted work to a cash buyer can save you both time and money—there’s no need to go through the lengthy and expensive process of making repairs or obtaining permits.

For additional insights on navigating this process, check out our page on How to Sell a House With Code Violations in Tennessee.

The Pros and Cons of Fixing Unpermitted Work

Pros of Fixing Unpermitted Work

  1. Increased Home Value: By fixing unpermitted work, you can bring your home up to code, which might increase its value. For example, if you add a new bathroom or finish a basement, getting those additions up to code can improve the overall marketability of the home.
  2. More Buyers: Properties that meet code standards are attractive to a wider pool of buyers, including those who are looking for homes that are move-in ready.
  3. Faster Closing: Once all permits and inspections are in place, you may be able to close on the sale more quickly, as buyers and lenders won’t be held up by code violations.

Cons of Fixing Unpermitted Work

  1. High Costs: As mentioned earlier, fixing unpermitted work can be costly. In addition to repair costs, there may be hidden expenses related to permits, inspections, and potential fines if the work was done improperly.
  2. Time-Consuming: Permitting and inspection processes can take a long time, which may not be ideal if you’re in a hurry to sell your home.
  3. No Guarantee of Recouping Costs: Even if you spend thousands of dollars fixing the work, there’s no guarantee that you’ll recoup these costs in the sale price. The market may not value the improvements as much as you hope.

If you want to avoid all the hassle of fixing your home and getting permits, selling for cash may be the best option. Check out our page on How to Sell a House With Unpermitted Work in Tennessee for more information on how to handle this situation.

Why Selling As-Is May Be a Better Option

For many homeowners with unpermitted work, selling as-is to a cash buyer may be the best solution. Here are some of the advantages of selling to a cash buyer:

  1. Quick Sale: Cash buyers can close quickly—often in as little as 7 to 14 days—without worrying about repairs or inspections. This is a major advantage if you need to sell your home quickly.
  2. No Need for Repairs: A cash buyer will typically buy your home as-is, which means you won’t have to worry about fixing any unpermitted work. You can avoid the hassle of permits, inspections, and construction work entirely.
  3. Less Stress: Selling a house with unpermitted work can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure how to handle the paperwork or legal requirements. Selling to a cash buyer eliminates much of this stress.
  4. Fair Cash Offers: Cash buyers will make you a fair offer based on the current condition of the house, including any unpermitted work. While the offer might be lower than market value, it can be a fair trade-off when you factor in the costs and time involved in making repairs.

Explore more on selling homes as-is through Bankrate, where you can find valuable insights on the process, benefits, and considerations of selling your property without making repairs, helping you understand how to navigate an as-is sale effectively.

Conclusion: Selling for Cash vs. Fixing Unpermitted Work

In the end, the decision between fixing unpermitted work and selling your house as-is largely depends on your situation. If you’re willing to invest time and money into repairs and have the patience to navigate the permitting process, fixing the work could yield a higher sale price and attract more buyers. However, if you need to sell quickly, avoid costly repairs, and move on with your life, selling your home for cash may be the most efficient option.

If you’re in Maryville, TN, and dealing with unpermitted work, selling your house to a cash buyer like East Tennessee Home Buyers LLC can save you time, money, and stress, without the uncertainty of dealing with repairs or waiting for inspections. At East Tennessee Home Buyers LLC, we specialize in purchasing houses as-is, and we can offer you a fair cash price based on the current condition of your home—no need to worry about costly repairs or permits. Reach out to us today and get a fast, no-obligation cash offer for your home, no matter the condition.