Permits pulled but how do I know if they passed inspection?

Question

Hey BP! I'm a new investor in the Baltimore City market and while doing my due diligence analyzing deals I'm seeing properties where permits were pulled. My question is how do I know that they actually passed the permit inspections? The only info I see from Baltimore city's Department of Housing & Community Development website is: 1. A description of the permit pulled  2. Date permit Issued 3. Permit expiration date.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

You can usually call the City and ask if there are any 'open' permits. That means they haven't passed the final inspection yet (or never did). This can be a huge deal, especially if the project was a larger one with rewire/replumb/structural in it. Not having these inspected would be a Red Flag for most and I've seen where it substantially affected the property value.....

Junior Myers · Answer

Thank you for your insight @Ned Carey and @Bruce Woodruff

Ned Carey · Answer

@Junior Myers The only way to know is see the signed of inspection stickers or call the permit office. It is probably going to be hard to reach anyone who can help you in the permit office. I say that becuase it is hard to get anyone in city government to answer the pohne.

I have bought and sold hundereds of properties It was never a concern for me before. Condition of a property and the cost to repair is just one of the risks in this business and you have to consider that in your buy price.

That said it has become an issue in the recent purchase of my personal home. Lack of signed off permits may be to my benefit should things turn nasty.