Originally Posted By: wdecker
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I don’t know if this is a question for structure, Ethics or Legal, so I am posting it on all three.
Client buying a flip house. Flipper remodeled, mostly cosmetic. Added deck (about 20 x 20) over back porch (poured concrete steps). Deck has footings, but posts just sitting on them (not secured with metal) and central posts (3) listing about 10 degrees out of plumb. Deck joists secured with screws (through rim joist to supporting joists) and no metal hangers. Over all, an amateur job, typical of the 'flippers' in our area.
Along with a few other defects (added 25 x 15 portion, electrical having now ground, no crawlspace access under added portion, basement finished but enclosed ductwork does not allow doors to open fully, open vent on return duct near furnace, no GFCIs in the Kitchen) and my knowledge of flippers in this area, I recommended that the buyer check out with the local village building department if there were any permits pulled for this work. There were not.
I was concerned that the buyer would be buying a lot of liability (code violations, fines for non-permitted work) along with the house.
The buyer has decided to back out of the sale. He also informed the building dept about the house and they are going to inspect it, at least the deck which is on the outside.
What do you do with regards to flippers who do extensive work without permits? Is it within our duty of service to inform our clients that they should check, or have their lawyers check, on permits. (permits, around here, are public records and open to anyone who wants to pay the $3.00 copying fee).
NEWS FLASH: The Realtor called me and said that the buyer is backing out. The Realtor understands and is not blaming me. He is also a close friend of the buyer.
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Will Decker
Decker Home Services
Skokie, IL 60076
wjd@DeckerHomeServices.com