Bel Air, CA · Member since 2017 · 165 posts · 47 votes
When we purchased the home, seller said extra half bathroom was always there.
But its not on the tax roll and buildings/public works dept said over the phone that they didn't have on record how many baths since there was no blue print or permits pulled for our parcel since original construction like 90 yrs ago.... which I find odd but anyway I called the tax board too and they said they can add the bath when I pull an 'as built' permit or a addition permit, but the assessments may go up.
Never heard of an 'as-built' permit and in any case I dread the thought of expenses.. has anyone ever had to get an existing extra bath in their new purchase accounted for by tax/bldg dept and if so what range of expenses were involved. Would hate to pay for permit costs only to be ordered to rip it out or open all up and close back anyway.
Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
9y
Are you going to sell it or rent it?
If you're renting it, who cares what the records say? There is an extra bath.
Purchasers may want to see that all renovations are permitted. If that is the case in your market you may want to go through the hassle of getting it properly permitted before you list.
Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
9y
Are you going to sell it or rent it?
If you're renting it, who cares what the records say? There is an extra bath.
Purchasers may want to see that all renovations are permitted. If that is the case in your market you may want to go through the hassle of getting it properly permitted before you list.
Houses built before the creation of the buildings department fall under a slightly different set of rules. Certificates of occupancy weren't issued before 1930 in LA.
Tax records seldom match buildings department records. Tax assessor will tax you based on whatever you have even if it doesn't match the records at the buildings department.
As far as getting permits, even if you don't have a CO, you are still supposed to get permits for work done. If "major" work is performed, they recommend obtaining a CO.
Bel Air, CA · Member since 2017 · 165 posts · 47 votes
9y
AWESOME points, thanks guys! We eventually r gonna put it back on the market, yahoo know the proverbial "always think about resales' and in a way I feel like if it's a deal breaker then so be it cuz it's definitely not a starter home and would rather buyers who obsess over a easily removable toilet and sink than square footage convenience and customized value to just move along sooner than later.
Investor · Sewell, NJ · Member since 2016 · 68 posts · 48 votes
9y
Yes, I put one in last year in New Jersey. This is a tough town for permits so I had to get them. Plumbing and electrical. Then of course the county was aware so they raise my taxes about $200 a year extra. But I did make a long-term tenant very happy. That is hard to put a price tag on.