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IS there ANY OTHER WORK in the house that would flag the inspector? A deck, a bump out, even windows that are not currently legal size....
Markjames, the egress windows need to be in basement regardless of if there is "living space". My question would be why there are two. Lot of money to spend for something not required.
These people pulled a permit for this. I would question why they went through all these steps including the egress window and didn't close out the CO. That's fishy to me. I'm betting the building inspector came in and found some other stuff not up to code and the seller didn't want to deal with that - now it's going to become your problem.
I know for a fact that the fence does not have permit, I am not sure about other stuff like windows... it is a possibility!
now you guys mention about egress window. I recall seller mention they let their relative sleep there for a while until they moved out and turn it into entertainment room.
Never heard of a mandatory egress a window in a non livable basement. Even a 1/2 finished basement did not require a egress window.
OP you also need to know if the open permit is still good. In many jurisdictions the permit expires after a year and the town can make you reapply which also costs money. You're also talking about getting a permit for the fence, etc. And possibly fines for doing the work without one. That will ALL be your problem once you sign for this house.
I'm surprised a splanch needs an egress window for the level above the basement. That level is not completely below grade, is it? Been a long time since I've been in one.
Markjames, when we put ours in our house on LI it was not even in the living area ("living area") it was on the laundry room....which was unfinished. They passed it. I think the building department just wants it so no one can come back if there's a fire and say "you passed a finished basement and these people had no way to get out". That's why an outside entrance door does suffice as well.
IS there ANY OTHER WORK in the house that would flag the inspector? A deck, a bump out, even windows that are not currently legal size....
Markjames, the egress windows need to be in basement regardless of if there is "living space". My question would be why there are two. Lot of money to spend for something not required.
These people pulled a permit for this. I would question why they went through all these steps including the egress window and didn't close out the CO. That's fishy to me. I'm betting the building inspector came in and found some other stuff not up to code and the seller didn't want to deal with that - now it's going to become your problem.
In TNH that was (past tense) not the case. It was only if it was set up as living space. Since I am no longer there it may have changed. Now, I happen to agree with your suspicion. I hope we are wrong.
I meant a finished basement. Not any old basement. We were told "we don't care what you're using for - rec room, office, whatever, it's finished it needs an egress window".
If homeowner does not have a structural engineer's certification that the beam removals and horizontal steel beam replacement are compliant, tread cautiously. A post construction engineer would run you 1,200 - 2,000 and there's no guarantee he/she would approve someone else's work. If structure is insufficient you'd bear the brunt of getting it right before obtaining a C/O.
Also a 5K credit does not protect you legally. 20K in escrow contingent on obtaining a C/O protects you both. If it only costs 5 to get the job done, owner gets his 15K back. Suggest contract closing be contingent on obtaining the C/O for maximum protection.
If the homeowner is hesitant to go into escrow with stipulations or close contingent on C/O, then they are more interested in protecting themselves than protecting the both of you equally. Keep looking.
If homeowner does not have a structural engineer's certification that the beam removals and horizontal steel beam replacement are compliant, tread cautiously. A post construction engineer would run you 1,200 - 2,000 and there's no guarantee he/she would approve someone else's work. If structure is insufficient you'd bear the brunt of getting it right before obtaining a C/O.
Also a 5K credit does not protect you legally. 20K in escrow contingent on obtaining a C/O protects you both. If it only costs 5 to get the job done, owner gets his 15K back. Suggest contract closing be contingent on obtaining the C/O for maximum protection.
If the homeowner is hesitant to go into escrow with stipulations or close contingent on C/O, then they are more interested in protecting themselves than protecting the both of you equally. Keep looking.
If homeowner does not have a structural engineer's certification that the beam removals and horizontal steel beam replacement are compliant, tread cautiously. A post construction engineer would run you 1,200 - 2,000 and there's no guarantee he/she would approve someone else's work. If structure is insufficient you'd bear the brunt of getting it right before obtaining a C/O.
Also a 5K credit does not protect you legally. 20K in escrow contingent on obtaining a C/O protects you both. If it only costs 5 to get the job done, owner gets his 15K back. Suggest contract closing be contingent on obtaining the C/O for maximum protection.
If the homeowner is hesitant to go into escrow with stipulations or close contingent on C/O, then they are more interested in protecting themselves than protecting the both of you equally. Keep looking.
Thank you so much! does that mean if owner refused this I can back out of this deal and get my hard earn deposit back?
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