“The Cash Offer Company”
If you’ve made changes to your Richmond VA home without a permit, you’re not alone and you can still sell your property. Whether it’s a finished basement, added bathroom, or rewired kitchen, unpermitted work happens all the time, especially in older homes across neighborhoods like Bon Air, Forest Hill, or Church Hill.
The question is: Can you sell your house legally and smoothly if that work was never approved by the city or county?
The answer is yes but there are key things you need to know.
What Is Unpermitted Work?
Unpermitted work is any renovation, structural change, or system modification completed without the proper building permits or inspections. Common examples include:
- DIY plumbing or electrical work
- Garage conversions
- Room additions
- Decks or sheds
- Re-roofing or structural changes
Virginia building codes typically require permits for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work, especially when performed by a homeowner or contractor. If you didn’t pull a permit, your work might be considered a code violation.
Can You Sell a House With Unpermitted Work in Richmond?
Yes, but you have to decide how you want to sell:
Option 1: Bring the Work Up to Code
You can retroactively permit the work, known as post-permitting, but this can be:
- Time-consuming
- Costly
- Risky if the work doesn’t meet current standards
If the city requires demolition or rework, this could delay your sale by weeks or months.
Option 2: Sell As-Is With Full Disclosure
Virginia real estate law allows homeowners to sell their homes as-is, as long as you disclose all known issues including unpermitted work and potential liabilities.
Buyers may ask for price reductions or request inspections, but many cash buyers (like us) are ready to take it off your hands without delays or repairs.
The Risk of Not Disclosing
If you try to sell without disclosing unpermitted work, you could:
- Face legal trouble after closing
- Be sued for misrepresentation
- Be held financially responsible for damages
Always be transparent. The best way to protect yourself is by providing honest disclosures and working with experienced professionals.
Sell As-Is to a Local Cash Buyer
At The Cash Offer Company, we buy houses in Richmond VA with unpermitted work, code issues, or DIY projects gone sideways. No repairs. No inspections. No agent commissions.
We’ve helped homeowners in Northside, Manchester, Swansboro, and beyond sell fast and move on.
Here’s how it works:
- Call (804) 215-4004 or fill out the form
- We’ll schedule a brief walkthrough — no inspections required
- You’ll get a fair cash offer the same day
- Close on your timeline, even in a week
Final Thoughts
Selling a Richmond VA house with unpermitted work doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right buyer and full disclosure, you can skip the hassle, avoid city red tape, and move forward quickly.
📞 Call us today at (804) 215-4004
📧 Email: info@thecashoffercompany.com
🌐 Visit us online
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney or real estate professional before making decisions regarding the sale of your property.