Patchogue Village - deck without a CO. (house, buyers)

[Mighty__Quinn]

We have a deck that was built by a "friend" who is a contractor. It was a mess and he never even finished the project. It was a new structure, not a replacement of anything already existing. He asked for copy of our land survey at one point for permits (?) but I don't believe he ever did anything further. We certainly don't remember any inspections being done, at the very least.

We've since learned you even need a certificate of occupancy for a deck because it’s considered living space!?

Where should we go from here? Ideally, we'd like to sell this house in about 2-3 years and leave LI but we'll see what happens with the market. Should we contact the town and address the issue NOW or wait until we are ready to sell the house? What about a reassessment – I guess they’d find it then? I assume there would be some additional property tax liability and we'd be REQUIRED to get a CO before selling the house, correct? I’m sure that process is a nightmare.

Thanks in advance for any information,

-first time home owner learning the hard way

[Kbinspections]

Go to the Building department(near or on Rider Ave) and ask for help. They are one of the few helpful departments on LI.

Make sure that your deck is safe with railing properly spaced balusters, simpson connectors and lag bolts for the ledger board.

[Mighty__Quinn]

Thank you

Do you think it would be wise to address this NOW or wait until we have to?

Do you suggest we have a builder or contractor come out and inspect the deck first? I have no idea what any of this is ... spaced balusters, simpson connectors and lag bolts for the ledger board.

[Arron]

If you plan to sell the house in the next few years WITH this deck attached you should take care of it now. Last thing you need is CO problems when trying to sell. Not something potential buyers are going to want to deal with or wait for. Plus it will be one less thing YOU have to deal with when selling.

I'm sure someone with better knowledge can help here, but I think that as long as the deck is a certain height above the ground, the CO is required.

The other option of course is to tear it down!

[Kbinspections]

Originally Posted by Mighty__Quinn

Thank you

Do you think it would be wise to address this NOW or wait until we have to?

Do you suggest we have a builder or contractor come out and inspect the deck first? I have no idea what any of this is ... spaced balusters, simpson connectors and lag bolts for the ledger board.

If you want, shoot me some pics of the deck from all sides & I will give you my opinion....

[Mighty__Quinn]

Thank you!!