Everything You Need to Know About Selling a House with Unpermitted Work in Oklahoma

Selling a house with unpermitted work can challenge homeowners in Oklahoma. Unpermitted work refers to any renovations, additions, or alterations made to a property without obtaining the necessary permits from local authorities.

Whether it’s a finished basement, an added bathroom, or a modified kitchen, unpermitted work can lead to complications during the selling process. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about dealing with unpermitted work when selling a house, including how to get a permit after work is done, the consequences of unpermitted residential work, when a permit is required, how to check house permits, how to legalize unpermitted work, the permitting process, and some of the costs you may encounter. 

How to Get a Permit After Work Has Been Done

Assess the Situation

The first step in obtaining a permit for already completed work is to assess the scope of the unpermitted work. This involves identifying all alterations, additions, and improvements made without permits. A thorough inspection by a licensed contractor or home inspector can help you to identify any unpermitted work. Hire a licensed contractor or architect to assess the unpermitted work and provide guidance on how to bring it up to code. They can help you prepare the necessary documentation and navigate the permitting process.

Contact the Local Building Department

Reach out to your local building department to discuss your situation. They can provide guidance on the necessary steps to obtain permits retroactively. This process often involves submitting detailed plans of the completed work and scheduling inspections.

Prepare Documentation

Prepare detailed plans and specifications for the unpermitted work. These plans should accurately represent the completed work and include any necessary corrections to meet current building codes. Gather all necessary documentation for the unpermitted work. This includes detailed drawings, plans, and specifications of the completed work. If possible, locate any original plans or permits that were issued for other parts of the house to provide context.

Submit Permit Applications

Submit the permit applications to the local building department. The applications should include all required documentation, such as plans, specifications, and descriptions of the work. Be prepared to pay application fees at this stage.

Schedule Inspections

Once the permit applications are submitted, the building department will schedule inspections to verify that the completed work complies with current building codes. Depending on the extent of the work, multiple inspections may be required.

Make Necessary Corrections

If the inspections reveal any code violations or deficiencies, you will need to make the necessary corrections to bring the building up to code. This may involve hiring licensed contractors to ensure the work is done correctly. After making the corrections, schedule follow-up inspections.

Obtain Final Approval

After all inspections are passed and corrections are made, the building department will issue final approval or a certificate of occupancy. This document confirms that the work complies with local building codes and regulations.

The Permitting Process

Determine Permit Requirements

Contact the local building department to determine the specific permit requirements for your project. Requirements vary based on the type and scope of work.

Prepare Permit Applications

Prepare the permit applications, including detailed plans and specifications of the proposed work. Ensure that all necessary documentation is included.

Submit Applications and Pay Fees

Submit the permit applications to the building department and pay the required fees. Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.

Schedule Inspections

Once the permits are issued, schedule inspections at various stages of the project to ensure compliance with building codes. Inspections may be required before, during, and after the work is completed.

Make Necessary Corrections

If the inspections reveal any deficiencies, make the necessary corrections to bring the work up to code. Schedule follow-up inspections as needed.

Obtain Final Approval

After all inspections are passed and corrections are made, obtain final approval from the building department. This will ensure that the work is compliant with local building codes and regulations.