“How REI Branded Home Buyer Can Help”
Selling a House with an Unpermitted Addition in Washington
Unpermitted additions are surprisingly common across Washington — especially in older homes and DIY renovations in areas like Spokane, Tacoma, or Yakima. Whether it’s a garage conversion, enclosed patio, or basement remodel, selling a house with unpermitted work can be risky.
But it’s not impossible — and we’re here to break it all down.
1. What Counts as Unpermitted Work?
Any home improvement that wasn’t approved by the local building department may be considered “unpermitted.” This includes:
- Finishing a basement or attic without inspection
- Adding a room, garage, or sunroom without a permit
- Electrical or plumbing work done without approval
In Washington, all major systems must follow the WA Building Code — especially anything related to structural changes, electricity, or plumbing.
2. Why Unpermitted Work Is a Big Deal in Washington
Unpermitted additions can trigger:
- Code violations (WA Code Enforcement)
- Property tax reassessments
- Safety risks for future occupants
- Legal disputes during closing
- Insurance claim rejections
If the buyer’s appraiser, inspector, or title company flags the issue, it can tank the sale or delay closing.
3. Your Options to Sell a Home with Unpermitted Work
You’ve got a few ways to move forward:
✅ Option 1: Get the Work Permitted
This means:
- Hiring contractors
- Submitting applications
- Potential demolition or post-permitting fixes
In cities like Seattle or Vancouver, the process can be costly and slow — especially if the work doesn’t meet current code.
✅ Option 2: Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer
A much easier solution? Work with a direct buyer like REI Branded Home Buyer. We purchase homes with:
- Unpermitted additions
- Outdated wiring or plumbing
- Title issues or open permits
We buy as-is — no repairs, no permits, no inspections.
4. Do You Have to Disclose Unpermitted Work in Washington?
Yes. Sellers in Washington are required to disclose unpermitted additions via the Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 17). Failing to do so could expose you to legal liability later.
You’ll need to check off whether improvements were done with or without permits — and when.
5. Why Selling to a Local Cash Buyer Helps
We buy houses throughout Washington — even the ones with messy paperwork and surprise add-ons:
Even if your room addition isn’t permitted or doesn’t meet current zoning, we can still make an offer and close fast.
6. What Happens After You Sell?
Once you sell to us:
- You walk away from the permit problem.
- We handle any legal clean-up, engineering, or demolition.
- You get a fair cash price without wasting time on red tape.
Want to avoid paying for inspections or risking your sale falling apart? Reach out below.
Get a Cash Offer for Your Home with an Unpermitted Addition
📬 Contact Us Today for a hassle-free sale:
👉 https://reibrandedhomebuyer.com/contact-us/
📧 Or email us: info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
We buy homes as-is — with or without permits.
Helpful Links
- Washington Building Code – Unpermitted Work
- Post-Permitting Law (RCW 19.27.095)
- Seller Disclosure Requirements – Form 17
Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult your local municipality or a licensed real estate attorney regarding unpermitted work.
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.