What to do about an "illegal" bathroom???

Question

Hi. I heard that if you have a new bathroom in your house that's been created without a permit or without a licensed plumber and an architect's plans filed to alter your house, then that could be a problem in the future when you want to sell your home. First, is it true that there can be such a thing as an "illegal" bathroom if you do it youself, and, if so, how do you resolve the issue after it's already been made??? Thanks.

Answer 1

This is going to be a county/city thing. You should call the city planning office and ask them.

Answer 2

are you talking about a bathroom that's been added on or just remodeled ? generally remodels under 200 sq feet don't require anything but check with your city's building dept. you don't have to tell them who you are. i don't think it would be a problem in terms of selling your home. usually the problem is when A. a neighbor reports you and you don't have permit B. the City sees you without a permit or C. you try to do something else and they catch that you have this done already. The only issue would be revenue for your city - they can impose stiff penalites on top of permit dues but it terms of the LAW - no not unless you don't rectify it. They can make you tear down a complete remodel if you don't pay them and follow their rules. but you won't be arrested if that's what you are asking !

Answer 3

Do not call the code department, unless you want have a total stranger telling you, you owe money for something they had nothing to do with. Actually somebody is pulling your leg. Most cities, county's, don't require permits unless you increase the size of your house by 700 sq ft. They do want you to get permits for plumbing, electrical, so they can make money, oh yes and to make sure it is safe, cause you aren't smart enough to know. If the plumbing works, and the lights come on and know one was killed in the process, you are good to go.

Answer 4

Generally, only modifications that effect the structural integrity of a building require special permits or licensed builders, but this varies city to city. At this point you could have a licensed plumber examine the bathroom and confirm that it was built to code. If it is not to code, you will likely be forced to bring it up to code before you can sell it.

Answer 5

After so much time, it may be considered as "grandfathered" and the city can do nothing about it. If it still meets "code", then it may not pose as a problem when selling it. IT's all a matter of meeting code restrictions for safety, environmental, etc.

Best call the city code enforcement dept and ask them without disclosing who has the bathroom.

Answer 6

I am not sure about the laws governing additions to ones house but my cousin built a whole wing to his house without a permit and the code enforcer made him tear it down get a permit and rebuild.

Answer 7

check the local laws, I can do anything in my house without a permit, but cannot increase the square footage, or build a garage without a permit. so you may be ok. I want to make my bathroom bigger, and 'no permit' required.

Answer 8

I am sorry I cant help with your problem it sounds like only your local officials can answer. BUT it is very sad we live in a world where we own the private property, pay tax on the private property and we CANT do what we would like with it in a harmless way of just updating/adding a bathroom. I do believe we need minium restrictions but what you are describing is like Communism.
Good Luck my friend

Answer 9

In my town you need permitts. But, if you wait to get permitts to after its done they may fine you a little bit.

Answer 10

I say go to the bathroom get a match and put it by your butt and FART and once the match has lit with your gas BURN that Illegal bathroom down, and blame it on the bad plumbing. LOL

Hey just a thought.