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Whether it’s a brand-new contemporary white box in a just-built subdivision or a brand-new mid-century ranch in a tree-lined street, a home could have code violations upon inspection.
It should not create a panic situation. Despite the distressing news, selling a house with code violations in South Carolina is possible. In fact, the discovery of code violations is not uncommon.
What are code violations?
In most cities and municipalities, there is a set of universal building codes for residential construction that are developed and updated by the International Code Council (ICC), collectively known as the International Residential Code (IRC). States and cities can then add more specific building codes, mainly for public safety and health reasons.
Building code violations range from simple fixes a homeowner can perform to major repairs requiring professional assistance. Common code violations in South Carolina include:
- Handrails without returns
- Improper bathroom venting
- Messy or overloaded electrical panel
- Misplaced smoke alarms
- Missing or defective ground-fault circuit interrupter
- Renovations made without the required permits
- Windows not up to local housing standards
Can you sell a house with code violations?
It depends on where you live and what the problem is whether you need to fix a code violation before selling your house. There are a number of issues that do not need to be fixed before you sell your home, but some state or local authorities require certain safety fixes. Check with city hall, the building department, or your real estate agent to determine what needs to be done.
You’re also required by law to disclose any known defects of the house in writing. You need to fill out a standard disclosure form. Failure to disclose defects to your potential buyer will make you liable.
What to do when selling a house with code violations
A code violation can be handled in three ways when you’re selling a home: fix it, offer money for someone else to fix it, or ignore it and sell your house “as is.”
1. Fix the code violations
Legal requirements, budgets, the scope of the problem, and the housing market in your area usually determine which option is best for you. A seller’s market gives you more leverage regarding which violations, if any, you’re willing to correct.
Have an expert inspect your house to identify any code violations. From there, determine if you have the budget to fix them.
2. Pay for someone to fix the code violations
In the event that you are unable to bring a home up to code, offering a price reduction or a repair credit may be an option, especially if the violations don’t present a health or safety risk. As most buyers want a free and clear title, it’s almost imperative that the price is reduced in order to attract a buyer willing to assume the responsibility of addressing any violations.
3. Sell your house as is
While as-is sales usually don’t command top dollar, they do offer other benefits, such as speed and the possibility that you won’t have to disclose property defects. Selling your home to a cash home buyer may be an attractive option if you don’t have the funds and time to fix the code violations yourself.
If you’re considering this type of sale, look for trusted buyers. Give your options a call and ask for an estimate of your home value. Answer a few questions about your home, its condition, and your timeline for selling, and get a cash offer within 48 hours. Your deal could be closed within a matter of days if you accept it.
Need to sell your house fast?
We at Sell My House Fast GSAP can buy your house if you need to sell it ASAP. The condition of your home doesn’t matter—we buy all kinds of houses in Anderson, SC.
The process we use does not involve getting pre-qualified by a bank for a mortgage loan to purchase your property or wasting your time listing it. We are able to move so quickly on the purchase of your house because we buy it with our own cash, which means the sale is more secure, and the closing happens faster.
Ready to get started? Call us today at (864) 428-9197 to get a free, no-obligation cash offer.
