Buying a home with building permit issues (foreclosure, lawyer)

[LongDawson]

Hi. A home that I looked at a couple of years ago, a beautiful custom home on acreage (unincorporated king county), is on the market as a bank-owned foreclosure. The bank that owns it will sell it eventually to get it off their books.

There is nothing wrong with the house, and it's a really nice relatively small modest well-built efficient home. Just what I like.

The problem is that the owner built a large shop without a permit. There is a lingering case about this with DDES. I'd like to buy this house, it's an upgrade for me, the price is good. I especially like the shop.

Question: does DDES waive the penalties for someone who purchases a home that has a building permit problem? I heard that all penalties are waived.

Question: is DDES any "nicer" now that the previous owner, the guy who got caught building a garage without a permit, is gone? I have inspected the building, and I will do more research, but the previous owner ran a large construction company himself. I have every reason to believe the garage will eventually pass inspection. It may take a lot of time and effort dealing with this bureaucracy, which is as you may know a universally unpopular agency with a terrible reputation. Perhaps now that Ron Simms is gone, and the agency is suffering due to lack of building activity permit $$, they will be a bit nicer.

Would you touch something like this? It is priced such that the deal looks good even without the garage.

Thanks for any insight.

[Jennibc]

You should not rely on an internet board to answer this kind of question. It would be wise to either consult a lawyer or read the county and city codes yourself and try to make sense of them.

[LongDawson]

I just found this forum, I was seeking out a local forum discussing local policy. I use forums for all kinds of advice. It seems this particular forum, however, is focused on things like the weather and history of the region. I thought there might be more advice in terms of builders who participate. Thanks for reminding me that I should rely on lawyers though.

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by LongDawson

I just found this forum, I was seeking out a local forum discussing local policy. I use forums for all kinds of advice. It seems this particular forum, however, is focused on things like the weather and history of the region. I thought there might be more advice in terms of builders who participate. Thanks for reminding me that I should rely on lawyers though.

Well, if a lawyer gives you the wrong information, you have a potential malpractice claim against him or her for your loss based on that advice, whereas if some yahoo here gives you bad advice, and you rely on it to your detriment you have no recourse.

[Ultrarunner]

Figure what it's worth to you without the shop and offer accordingly.

It really is any one's guess.

I've bought property with permit issues and the Building Department couldn't have been nicer in getting me permitted. It started out adversarial and then I pointed out that I am the new owner and want to do things right...

A friend bought a property where someone built on designated Wet Land and the improvement had to come down and the land restored...