Covered Patio without a permit

[lex1]

Thanks for all responses. I wanted to call the city to understand what the process is for a general case where there's something already built without a permit. City offices are closed today. I mentioned the tear down as the worst case scenario that I may have to face based on my research. I brought up the point about loan not approved or no insurance coverage due to not having a permit hoping for your feedback so I weigh my options.

[jennifw]

when we bought our house in Dallas years ago, it had an us permitted renovation (attic conversion to living space). we had no problems with our loan or insurance. it never even came up. I think you are worrying about a non-issue.

FWIW, I would not call the city. why point an arrow to your (potential) home?

[Beaching]

Originally Posted by lex1

Thanks for all responses. I wanted to call the city to understand what the process is for a general case where there's something already built without a permit. City offices are closed today. I mentioned the tear down as the worst case scenario that I may have to face based on my research. I brought up the point about loan not approved or no insurance coverage due to not having a permit hoping for your feedback so I weigh my options.

Therre is absolutely no need to call the city.

I would be willing to bet that at least 3/4 of all patio covers done after the house was built were done without a permit. For unattached covers, arbors, etc, I would be willing to bet the percentage is even higher. As stated earlier, Texas is totally different than California.

There would be no one that would tell you that it needs to be torn down. Inspector, mortgage company, etc, none of them are going to tell you that it needs to be torn down. You mentioned it was "not up to code"? Is that just a guess because there was no permit?

If this cover is NOT attached to the house, the inspector will not even look at it. The appraiser will look at it even if detached, but it will not play a huge part in their process either. If it IS attached, the inspector will look at it and if there is anything of concern they will put it in their report. Your contract should state that the seller will pay up to a certain dollar amount for repairs that are found in the inspection. Or, you can tell them not to worry about it if there is a minor "issue".

**** DO NOT TEAR IT DOWN
**** DO NOT ASK SELLER TO TEAR IT DOWN
Why? Read that MLS listing description. The entire thing. Is it mentioned in there? Most likely it is. Look at all of the pictures on the listing? Is it in a picture? Most likely, it is. After you purchase the house the tax office will know what you paid for the house. They will also know the condition, features, etc and they WILL add this structure as an improvement on the tax rolls and add to it accordingly (it is not much). BUT, it will still be taken into consideration for the property taxes you will pay. If you tear it down and next year your taxes go up, most likely, you will have to take pictures, show it was removed, etc and go fight to have it lowered, again, the amount will be minimal but they are still including it.


Honestly, this is absolutely nothing to worry about. Do not call the city. Not even to ask questions. Sachse is a small city, they may be able to figure out which house and then come after the sellers.
Like I said, it would be a safe bet that at least 3/4 of all patio covers and such have been added without a permit. Not a big deal.