How to Sell a House in Virginia With Unpermitted Work

Virginia home with a partially built deck and tools scattered around

“The Cash Offer Company”

🏗️ How to Sell a House in Virginia With Unpermitted Work

In Virginia, a lot of homeowners make improvements without pulling permits.
Maybe it was:

  • A finished basement
  • A sunroom or screened porch
  • A converted garage
  • An added bathroom
  • A new deck or shed

At the time, it might have seemed harmless. But now that it’s time to sell, you’re realizing unpermitted work can raise red flags with buyers, appraisers, and city inspectors.

So… can you still sell?

Yes.
At The Cash Offer Company, we buy homes as-is—with or without permits.


⚠️ Why Unpermitted Work Is a Problem

Here’s why unpermitted construction can cause trouble in a traditional sale:

  • The title search or inspection uncovers issues
  • Buyers get nervous about future repairs or fines
  • Lenders deny financing due to code violations
  • Appraisals come in low or incomplete
  • The county requires retroactive permits or demolition

Many sellers are shocked to learn their DIY remodel might cost thousands to legalize or remove.


🧾 Virginia Law on Disclosure

If you know work was done without permits, Virginia law requires you to disclose material facts to potential buyers. You don’t have to tear it down—but you can’t hide it either.

Some counties are stricter than others (like Fairfax or Henrico), but even in rural areas, code enforcement is still a risk.


💡 Should You Fix It First?

Legalizing unpermitted work may involve:

  • As-built drawings
  • Engineer certification
  • Opening up walls or ceilings
  • Paying permit fees
  • Bringing systems up to modern code

That’s why many sellers skip the hassle and just sell as-is to a cash buyer like us.


✅ We Buy Homes With Unpermitted Work

Whether it’s:

  • A room addition with no permit
  • An old rental with creative “renovations”
  • A flip gone wrong
  • A home passed down with mystery wiring

We’ve seen it. We’ve bought it.

And we’ll make you a no-obligation cash offer without demanding that you “fix it first.”


📍 Where We Help Sellers in Virginia

Including:

Explore our full Virginia coverage here.


💬 Let’s Talk Before You Rip Anything Out

📱 Call us at (804) 215-4004
📧 Email info@thecashoffercompany.com
💻 Get a fast cash offer now

We’ve helped sellers in your shoes—and we’re ready to help you move forward.


🛡️ Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or permitting advice. Always check with your local Virginia building department before starting construction or selling a property with unpermitted work.

Get Your Cash Offer Today!

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