Why Checking Permits Can Save You Thousands When Buying a Home

That new deck or finished basement might look like a dream come true, but if it wasn’t permitted, it could turn into a nightmare.

Unpermitted work can lead to financing delays, insurance denials, costly repairs, and trouble when you try to sell down the road. At the Freeman-Slogar Real Estate Team, we help Delta County buyers ask the right questions before they fall in love with a home.

Let’s talk about why permits matter, and how to protect your investment before it’s too late.

What Is “Unpermitted Work”—and Why Is It a Problem?

Unpermitted work refers to renovations, additions, or upgrades done without approval from the local building authority. It’s more common than you’d think—and can include things like:

• Garage conversions

• Add-on bedrooms or sheds

• Plumbing or electrical upgrades

• Fences, decks, or retaining walls

While these projects might be visually appealing, if they weren't built to code or inspected properly, you could be left footing the bill for safety issues, legal compliance, or demolition.

How Unpermitted Work Can Derail Your Purchase

Even if the home looks perfect on the surface, unpermitted work can cause major issues behind the scenes, especially with:

• Financing – Lenders may decline loans if square footage doesn’t match public records

• Appraisals – Added value from unpermitted areas often won’t count in the appraisal Insurance – Claims related to unpermitted areas may be denied

• Resale – Future buyers may walk away or demand a discount once they discover the issue

In Delta County, where many homes feature additions, sheds, and rural infrastructure, these questions are especially important.

How We Help You Avoid Surprises

You don’t have to dig through county files or guess what’s legal. When you work with the Freeman-Slogar Real Estate Team, we:

• Ask for seller disclosures up front

• Compare MLS details with tax records and permit history

• Flag any inconsistencies during the inspection window

• Guide you through next steps if concerns arise

Buying a home should feel exciting—not overwhelming. We’re here to give you confidence through clarity.

Smart Buyers Check the Permits—Every Time

Whether you’re buying a fixer-upper or a move-in-ready charmer, don’t let unpermitted work derail your plans. In Delta County, it pays to be thorough—and to have a trusted real estate team by your side.

Let us help you ask the right questions, verify the details, and make a smart, safe, and satisfying investment.

Schedule a Buyer Strategy Session