
“Your Trusted Home Buyer REI Branded Home Buyer”
What Is Unpermitted Work — And Why It Matters in Everett WA
Unpermitted work refers to renovations or additions done without proper city or county approval. In Everett, this can include room additions, converted garages, rewired electrical panels, and major plumbing changes. If the City of Everett didn’t issue the required permits, that work may be considered illegal or non-compliant.
According to Washington State Building Codes, homeowners must secure permits for most structural, electrical, or plumbing work. If a future buyer discovers unpermitted work, it could kill the sale.
Common Types of Unpermitted Work in Everett Homes
- Garage conversions into bedrooms or ADUs
- Finished basements without egress windows
- Decks, patios, or staircases added without permits
- Electrical upgrades not inspected
- Plumbing changes done without licensed contractors
- DIY additions that don’t meet Washington code requirements
Can You Still Sell a House With Unpermitted Work?
Yes, but it may take longer or require special negotiation. Some buyers may ask you to:
- Retrofit the work to current code
- Obtain post-permitting approvals
- Discount the price due to potential safety issues
- Sign a waiver or disclosure, like Form 17
In some cases, lenders won’t approve mortgages if unpermitted work affects livable space. If you’re facing these hurdles, a cash sale might be your best option.
We Buy Everett Houses With Unpermitted Work
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we buy homes with:
- Additions done without permits
- Code violations and red tags
- Old DIY repairs that don’t pass inspection
- Permit history issues or missing documentation
We work directly with sellers and local code enforcement to resolve compliance issues quickly.
Skip the Repairs. Sell As-Is.
We’re not afraid of fixer-uppers. We’ll make an offer regardless of your home’s permit history. Whether it’s minor changes or major structural issues, we’ll handle the hassle so you don’t have to.
Check out our full Washington coverage to see where else we buy.
Take the Stress Off Your Shoulders
If you’re dealing with unpermitted work in Everett, don’t panic. You don’t need to spend thousands bringing it up to code just to sell. Let’s talk about a cash offer that works for everyone.
Contact us today and get your options.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes. Consult your local building department or a real estate attorney for advice related to permits, inspections, or title disclosures.
Sell Your Everett 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.