I bought a house built in 2015, but after pulling the permits I find out it was started in 2008. There were stop work orders and failed virtually every inspection. It just scraped by in 2012 for inspections but then sat for another 3 years after that. I was told it was built in 2015 because that's when the "first" owner took occupancy. I found out that the foundation had been poured in 2009 and left sitting until 2011.
What date is used as the date the home was built? Is there a limit on how long a house can be under construction?
I live in Canada.
Best Answer
In the U.S., each state “adopts” a Code. The Code requires a Building Permit” for construction. If you look in the “definitions section”, you’ll see that a “Permit” is for a “specific activity.”
I’d check the original Permit Application and see what was included (and not included). In the U.S. there is a “disclosure law” that requires the seller to disclose POTENTIAL problems that could affect the value of the property being sold. If it wasn’t disclosed that the construction (“specific activity”) wasn’t completed, they are liable for the repairs.
I’ve testified that the seller “should have known about dryrot, settling foundation, etc.” If your house is not habitable, you have a great case.