Homeowners, rental property owners and commercial building owners who know how to fix code violation can save money, improve the safety of their property and prevent local government interference before their property is cited. Even if the property owners know how to fix code violations, there are no guarantees that a building inspector will not arrive to inspect the property, an event that can be triggered by a number of concerns, complaints or personal injuries.
If your home, rental property or commercial building is cited for code violations, the best strategy is to correct the violation as soon as possible. Yes, repairing the property to meet local codes can be expensive and yes, some of the repairs may seem impractical. But, it’s tough to fight city hall and if your lender knows there are code violations, you can expect to hear from them shortly after the property is cited. Most mortgages require the owner to keep the property “up to code.”
Common Types of Code Violations
Most property owners have general maintenance and repair skills. Many of these property owners know how to fix code violations that require general carpentry and plumbing skills. However, in many states, certain plumbing and electrical code violations can only be repaired by licensed professionals.
Those repairs can be prohibitively expensive and can require going into savings accounts or taking on a new loan. There are other violations that can present the same unappealing options. If the property owner does not know how to fix code violations, they are faced with tough choice; to sell your house, refinance or challenge local authorities and quite possibly their lender.
While we may disagree with government interference, it is difficult to argue when the cited code violation poses a threat to families, tenants or workers. Unfortunately, we live in a litigious world where unrepaired code violations can end up costing much more than the cost of repair.
In the US, the five most common code violations are:
- Missing or defective ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCI’s, fast-acting circuit breakers designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground-fault. When the GCFI’s are not functioning, the electrical system can overload and cause fire in the property.
- Handrails without returns are deemed unsafe because many people need assistance navigating steps. Usually handrails can be installed fairly easily, especially if the property owners know how to fix code violations. If an outside contractor is used, this should not be a major expense.
- Improper bathroom venting is required in residences, rental properties and commercial buildings to ensure safety and air quality. This repair can be expensive.
- Missing deck flashing is usually the byproduct of poor construction or age. This repair can improve the value of the property but can be expensive.
- Misplaced or malfunctioning smoke alarms pose obvious safety hazards. Assuming the wiring is in place, this code violation can be resolved fairly quickly.
Conclusion
It is always best to confer with the building inspector and be sure the required repairs are understood. Even property owners who know how to fix code violations should double check that they understand the inspector’s requirements and that they understand the deadline to make the repairs.
Properties in violation of building and safety codes can incur a number of legal obstacles, including loss of the certificate of occupancy. Furthermore, insurance companies usually have clauses that state the insured property must be up to code.
If you do not know how to fix code violations, speak with a general contractor and request estimates. Citations of code violations will be accompanied by dates that the repairs must be corrected. This means pressure to pay for repairs and pressure to get them done.
If you are unprepared for the financial repercussions or do not feel the repairs are a good investment, you have options. One options is to contact SellYourHomeFastOnline.com, we will offer to buy the property for cash in “as is” condition. No contingencies, no inspections and a quick closing.
You might be surprised how many owners who do not know how to fix code violations or who do not believe the repairs are worth the expense, contact SellYourHomeFastOnline.com to put an end to this dilemma.
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