Buying homes with additions built on

[Cameron Foster]

My partner and I have found a potential triplex with good bones and great potential but we have one concern about the addition that was constructed. The previous owners added to the second story but did not demo the old existing roof. Instead they decided to frame the new addition directly to the roof of the original house leaving the roof exposed in the attic of the new addition. I was just wondering if anyone has ever seen this before and if so was it a big issue?

[Tom Parris]

Hi @Cameron Foster,

First thing I would do is to search for the property in your local municipality's building department to find any history of permits pulled for permission to build that addition. If you find a permit, I would feel somewhat comfortable that it was done correctly since the local municipality does inspections and approves the improvement. 

In any regard, buy with right to inspect and bring your concern to the home inspector to take a look. If you wanted the 100% and were willing to spend a little more money, hire an engineer to visit the property to look at that specific issue. If they tell you the place is a liability, use your right to inspect and move on.