--
The admission of ignorance is the first step on the road to knowledge.
The beginning of understanding is an open mind.
"Basha" wrote in message
m...
Hi,

I am in house hunting for the last one month and found a suitable
house recently. I am thinking of buying it. When I went to to get the
survey map from the city governmemnt, I learned that they don't have a
record of basement finished. The previous owner who actually completed
the basement didn't get the permit for it. The basement has 2
bedrooms, one bathroom and a large family room with fire place. Is
there any risk involved in buying this house?

You comments greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Basha

Several.

First off, everything was fine as long as anyone didn't bring it to the
attention of the authorities. Now that they know, they may investigate.
Were you to buy it, you would be the current owner, and would have to allow
inspectors access.

Yes, the risks is there. It may not be up to code. It may be unsafe either
structurally or electrically. It may need an escape system that meets code.

In short, I would not consider buying it until THE OWNER got and paid for
all the legal stuff to make the house legal. You could come back and sue
him for lack of disclosure, but you would spend even more money on lawyers
than it is worth.

You will have enough to do with fixing up. You don't need the hassle of
anything like this to contend with, too.

Steve