I know someone who's built a shed on their property, and honestly it
looks pretty good. HOwever, I have no idea whether or not it meets
"code." He seems to know what he's doing though. Anyway, it's a
somewhat large shed meant for doing "workshop" stuff, cutting wood,
building things, etc.

Let's say this person has no idea what the "building codes" are for his
area. Thus, it's possible someone could come by and say "tear 'er
down." It looks nice, though, with shingles and painting that matches
the house, and even windows, so it's doubtful any neighbors would
complain.

Ok, so now it's time to sell the property. How does the fact that this
rather large shed has been built (not according to code, although not
necessarily not according to code...fact is I doubt he knows what the
"code" is) affect the transaction, or how COULD it affect the
transaction and life after the transaction?

wrote:

Ok, so now it's time to sell the property. How does the fact that this
rather large shed has been built (not according to code, although not
necessarily not according to code...fact is I doubt he knows what the
"code" is) affect the transaction, or how COULD it affect the
transaction and life after the transaction?

You really need to talk to your local building inspector. Assuming you are
asking about the US, in most communities a shed is not subject to building code
if it isn't built on a permanent foundation. However - it may be subject to
covenant or zoning restrictions.

If it is built on a permanent foundation, you may be able to get a permit after
the fact. Again, you need to talk to your local building inspector.

Not resolving this could interfere with the sale of the property.

On 31 May 2005 21:08:27 -0700, someone wrote:

Ok, so now it's time to sell the property. How does the fact that this
rather large shed has been built.... how COULD it affect the
transaction and life after the transaction?

AFTER the transaction? Nothing, no effect, the transaction is done.

Before? Well, is there an affirmative disclosure law in your state or
is it don't ask don't tell. So Buyer asks and Seller says, "Nah, I
just built it myself, no permit". So what then. If Buyer is anal,
Buey has a panic attack and doesn't buy, or wants it torn down and
removed, or wants it "inspected". If Buyer is laid back, he says "so
its been there for X years and they never bothered you - looks pretty
nice, I could use that" - and lets it stay.

What's the problem?


Reply to NG only - this e.mail address goes to a kill file.

IMO when they go to sell the only thing that may happen is that the
survey or inspection would make note of the fact that there's a
non-complying structure. The buyer would receive that info and may
have a panic attack.

This happened to me, sort of, when I bought a house with a porch in
front that extended over the setback. That was 20 years ago, the porch
is still there.

wrote:
I know someone who's built a shed on their property, and honestly it
looks pretty good. HOwever, I have no idea whether or not it meets
"code." He seems to know what he's doing though. Anyway, it's a
somewhat large shed meant for doing "workshop" stuff, cutting wood,
building things, etc.

Let's say this person has no idea what the "building codes" are for his
area. Thus, it's possible someone could come by and say "tear 'er
down." It looks nice, though, with shingles and painting that matches
the house, and even windows, so it's doubtful any neighbors would
complain.

Ok, so now it's time to sell the property. How does the fact that this
rather large shed has been built (not according to code, although not
necessarily not according to code...fact is I doubt he knows what the
"code" is) affect the transaction, or how COULD it affect the
transaction and life after the transaction?

On 1 Jun 2005 09:23:59 -0700, someone wrote:

IMO when they go to sell the only thing that may happen is that the
survey or inspection would make note of the fact that there's a
non-complying structure.

Neither the "survey" (by a surveyor) or the "inspection" (by a home
inspector) is necessarily gonna have that result.

The Surveyor notes the physical location of things, not whether there
is a permit for them. The Inspector notes the condition of things,
and wouldn't normally get into permit issues unless perhaps there was
fresh construction where there would normally be a current or recent
permit. Both those parties might only work on site (the Surveyor does
need to refer to info recorded with in deed, but building permits are
not recorded that I know of), not checking in City Hall for other
paperwork.


Reply to NG only - this e.mail address goes to a kill file.

Right.

Ok, so now it's time to sell the property. How does the fact that this
rather large shed has been built (not according to code, although not
necessarily not according to code...fact is I doubt he knows what the
"code" is) affect the transaction, or how COULD it affect the
transaction and life after the transaction?

Do what sellers do when they have any addition, such as a pool or anything that a permit has not
been issued for.... simply say "shed is a gift". This way, you tell the buyer that the shed is free
and is up to the new owner to get a permit for it. If the buyer says he does not want to go through
all of that, tear it down. End of story. No shed. No permit needed. And since it is a gift, it has
no value and no money can be deducted from the asking price.

Tony