Asking for evidence of permitted alterations
Protect your Illinois home investment by requesting verifiable evidence of permits for major structural or mechanical alterations made by previous owners.
The short answer
Unpermitted alterations can lead to safety risks and potential legal or financial issues. While sellers are not required to conduct investigations for their disclosures, you have the right to request documentation regarding significant property modifications. Confirming that work was properly permitted and inspected ensures that your future ownership is not burdened by code violations or expensive, unapproved work.
Identify Major Alterations
Focus on major changes such as structural walls removed, electrical service upgrades, or HVAC system replacements. These areas often require municipal permits and final inspections.
Would listing major renovations observed during your tour help you identify what may require permitted documentation?
Requesting Documentation
Ask the seller to provide copies of permits and the final 'closed' inspection reports from the local building department. If they do not have these, inquire if they were provided when they purchased the home.
Ask a professional: Ask your realtor how to search local building department records for your specific property address to verify permit history independently.
Assessing the Disclosure Impact
Under the Residential Real Property Disclosure Act, the seller must disclose material defects. If unpermitted work created a significant safety hazard, that is a material defect they must disclose to the best of their knowledge.
Planning Example: If a basement finish was done without permits and covers the foundation walls, you may need to budget for professional exploratory demolition to verify the foundation condition.
Evaluating Financial Risks
Unpermitted work may complicate future home insurance claims or home equity loans. If you discover unpermitted work, you must decide whether to negotiate for a price reduction, require the seller to obtain permits, or walk away.
Action: Consult with a contractor about the estimated cost to bring any suspicious alterations up to current local code standards.
Checklist
- Create a list of all visible major renovations in the home.
- Request permit and inspection records from the seller.
- Check municipal records online if available for property permit history.
- Ask a contractor to evaluate if major changes seem to meet current codes.
- Consult your attorney regarding risks of accepting property with unpermitted work.
Common questions
Can I back out of a contract if I find unpermitted work?
Your ability to terminate depends on your specific contract terms, such as the inspection contingency. Discuss your options with your legal representative immediately upon discovery.
Is the seller liable if the work was done by a previous owner?
Liability under the Disclosure Act depends on the seller's actual knowledge. If the seller was unaware of the unpermitted nature of the work, they may not be liable for the inaccuracy.
Sources
- CFPB — Buying a houseChecked October 12, 2026
- CFPB — Loan Estimate explainerChecked October 12, 2026
- Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure ActChecked October 12, 2026
- Illinois Department of Revenue — Property tax overviewChecked October 12, 2026
This guide is general educational content from SQFT IO, prepared with AI assistance. It is not legal, tax or loan advice. Talk with a licensed attorney, tax professional or lender about your situation. SQFT IO Illinois license 478.027617.