ILLEGAL Bathroom: Cost to Rip it out vs Applying to Permit it -CA

[Jonn Vidal]

When we purchased the home, seller said extra half bathroom was always there.

 But its not on the tax roll and buildings/public works dept said over the phone that they didn't have on record how many baths since there was no blue print or permits pulled for our parcel since original construction like 90 yrs ago.... which I find odd but anyway I called the tax board too and they said they can add the bath when I pull an 'as built' permit or a addition permit, but the assessments may go up.

Never heard of an 'as-built' permit and in any case I dread the thought of expenses.. has anyone ever had to get an existing extra bath in their new purchase accounted for by tax/bldg dept and if so what range of expenses were involved. Would hate to pay for permit costs only to be ordered to rip it out or open all up and close back anyway.

[Max T.]

Are you going to sell it or rent it?

If you're renting it, who cares what the records say? There is an extra bath.

Purchasers may want to see that all renovations are permitted. If that is the case in your market you may want to go through the hassle of getting it properly permitted before you list.