Location: British Columbia, Canada
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some advice on purchasing a house where the seller disclosed unpermitted work. Specifically, they removed a short kitchen wall and installed an LVL beam.
Some context:
- Seller bought the house ~18 months ago, renovated, and is now selling.
- Seller is a Red Seal carpenter who works for a reputable company and says he did the work himself (he’s built/flipped homes before).
- I found the original layout and photos from the last listing, and the removed wall lines up with what was changed.
- Home inspector said he feels it looks like it was done properly, but can’t confirm without ripping things open.
- Insurance broker told me they don’t care about the unpermitted work for insurability.
- Mortgage broker also said it’s unlikely to be an issue, since most homes have some unpermitted work (it’s just rare that sellers disclose it).
- My realtor is very convinced this isn’t a problem (though I know they’re biased to close deals).
Is there a way legally where the seller can “warrantee” that the work is sound? I’ve asked for a affidavit from the seller detailing what he did, and seeing if that is something that he is willing to stand behind being a Red Seal Carpenter. Is such a thing not worth the paper its written on if something happens?
Thank you for your help!