Building Permits in NY (Hope: sale, attorney, house) - Westchester County - New York - City-Data Forum

Newtony · 03-15-2007, 08:02 PM

Hello everyone,

As we get deeper into this house buying business in Westchester county a new question came up. Hope you guys can help.

We need to get the roof of the garage of the house we are looking at fixed - the seller is VERY reluctant to get this done. He does not want out contractor to look at this, he got his own guy to look at this. Now it seems like a building permit is needed to do this - so he is not wanting to get a permit.

WHat is the big deal - should we be alarmed about this individual's reaction or is he being anal? Is getting a permit in NY very difficult?

ANy insights into this are welcome.
Thanks

Glen NY · 03-15-2007, 08:41 PM

Permits are a under county jurisdiction, so it varies, but some counties want architectural drawings for any permit application, it can get complicated and costly. Once a permit is issued there will be an inspection and often a requirement that a licensed professional does the work. You can perhaps get an estimate of cost and remove that from the sale price and fix it after you buy.

rscap · 03-16-2007, 01:11 PM

Actually, in Westchester, building permits are issued by the Town. Some towns are more difficult than others regarding expediency and requirements.

I can tell you one thing - MAKE SURE you have a LOCAL contractor of your own look at it. Sounds like the seller has something to hide...

Are you working with a realtor? They should be giving you advice on this.

It's common to put money in escrow in situations like this - ask your realtor or attorney about it.

Welcome to the neighborhood.

momix5 · 03-16-2007, 01:35 PM

Just my 2 cents, it sounds to me like he has something to hide. Do not trust the realtor , get an inspector/engineer. When I was looking to purchase a home on Long Island I found a house I really liked in a great school district. The realtor told me that there was previous termite damage old but It was treated and the problem was resolved. The roof leaked and was told by the realtor that it was the skylight only, thank goodness I got an engineer to inspect it, not only was the roof ready to cave and there was extensive water damage throughout the house it was also termite infested with live termites so, basically the house was ready to fall down!!! The owner refused to have the termites treated and also the roof replaced, or take money off for at least the roof. The next house she showed us was ready to fall off the foundation! and under high tension wires. When I said that I did not want either her reply was you are just not ready to buy a house. So, get an engineer!

Glen NY · 03-16-2007, 11:07 PM

Your right I stand corrected, frequently it is the town who issues, otherwise all the rest I posted still applies.

house-hunter · 03-17-2007, 02:04 AM

this is the deal... most often than not when someone is reluctant to allow your contractor or architect to look at the roof there are underlying problems. these problems will stem far deeper than a roof. BUYER BEWARE! its the age of full disclosure can't sdisclose than let me see, don't let me see than see you later. just my professional opinion. I come accros this scam ona daily basis in my line of work. know wen you walk away. BTW depending on the size of the home and the roofing const. and materials you could be looking at 10's of thousands of dollars and that is after the underlying problems are uncovered and fixed.