“How REI Branded Home Buyer Can Help”
Can You Sell a House with Unpermitted Work in Washington?
Yes, you can sell a house with an unpermitted addition or remodel in Washington, but there are risks. Whether it’s a converted garage, basement unit, or kitchen expansion, buyers and local officials may raise red flags — and disclosures are legally required.
According to the Washington Seller Disclosure Law (Form 17), sellers must disclose known unpermitted work. Failing to do so could open you up to legal liability, price reductions, or even lawsuits post-sale.
What Counts as Unpermitted Work in Washington?
In Washington, any major construction, electrical, plumbing, or structural changes typically require a permit. Unpermitted work includes:
- Room additions
- Wall removal or structural modifications
- Electrical rewiring
- Plumbing system changes
- Garage or basement conversions
Some cities like Seattle and Spokane have stricter code enforcement than others. Check with your local county or city — for example, King County or Spokane County — to verify if your work needed a permit.
Risks of Selling a Home with Unpermitted Work
Selling with unpermitted additions in Washington can lead to:
- Financing issues: FHA, VA, and conventional lenders often deny loans on unpermitted properties (FHA, VA).
- Low appraisals: Appraisers may not count unpermitted square footage (Appraisers Info).
- Code violations: Cities may issue stop-work orders, fines, or demand demolition (Code Enforcement).
- Delays in closing: Buyers might back out if the risks are too high.
What Are Your Options?
✅ Option 1: Legalize the Work (Post-Permitting)
You can try to “legalize” the unpermitted work with post-permitting. This usually requires:
- Opening walls to inspect framing and wiring
- Hiring licensed contractors
- Passing city inspections
- Paying fees and penalties
This can be time-consuming and expensive — especially if the work doesn’t meet current code.
✅ Option 2: Sell the House As-Is to a Cash Buyer
This is often the fastest and least stressful option. At REI Branded Home Buyer, we specialize in buying Washington homes with permit issues, unpermitted additions, and complex title situations.
We’ll handle the risk and take the property as-is — no repairs, no inspections, and no permits required. It’s a simple cash offer with flexible closing.
Want to get an offer? Start here:
👉 https://reibrandedhomebuyer.com/contact-us/
Resources by City & County
Need local info? Start here:
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Everett
- Pasco
- Wenatchee
- Yakima
- King County
- Spokane County
- Washington Department of Revenue – Permitting Info
We Buy Houses with Unpermitted Additions in Washington
Whether you live in Walla Walla, Vancouver, Bellingham, or anywhere in Washington — we’ll help you move on from unpermitted problems.
Reach out today for a no-obligation cash offer.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult local code enforcement or a licensed attorney regarding unpermitted work in your area.
Sell Your Washington House Fast Today
About REI Branded Home Buyer
Real People. Real Stories. Real Solutions. We’re George and TJ — two regular guys who teamed up to create REI Branded Home Buyer, a local company with one simple mission: to help people sell their homes without stress, games, or pressure. We actually met at a local real estate meetup. A mutual friend randomly shouted, “Hey George, do you want to be this guy’s mentor?” George laughed and said, “Just give him my cell!” A coffee meeting later, and the rest is history. We've been working together ever since. Our passion for helping homeowners comes from personal experience. George was once homeless, so he deeply understands what it’s like to face housing uncertainty. TJ’s family went through a crisis and had to sell their home fast — with the help of a cash homebuyer. Those experiences shaped who we are and inspired us to create a company that treats people the way we wish we’d been treated. Let’s be real: the real estate world is full of shady companies, pushy salespeople, and sleazy homebuyers who care more about profit than people. We started REI Branded Home Buyer because we believe it should be the other way around — people first, profit second. We’re proud to call Spokane home. Our wives, Jenny and Michelle, love the slower pace of life here and all the outdoor beauty Washington has to offer. George and Jenny have two amazing daughters and two dogs — they love to travel and recently visited Japan to see their daughter abroad. TJ and Michelle are outdoor lovers through and through — backpacking, hiking, hunting, fishing, even rock climbing. Michelle’s become quite the mountaineer! If you’re thinking about selling a house — no matter the reason — we’d love to hear your story and see how we can help.