If you're planning to sell a home in Coupeville, but your property has unpermitted work, you might be wondering how it affects the sale. Whether it’s an unfinished basement, an extra bedroom, a deck, or a converted garage, unpermitted work can create challenges when selling—but it doesn’t have to derail your plans.

At Team Kelli Lang, we specialize in helping Coupeville homeowners successfully navigate these situations, ensuring a smooth transaction and maximizing your home’s value. Here’s everything you need to know about selling a home with unpermitted work.

1. What is Considered Unpermitted Work?

Unpermitted work refers to any renovation or construction done without obtaining the necessary permits from the local building department. Common examples include:

✔ Room additions or conversions (e.g., adding a bedroom, enclosing a porch)

✔ Finished basements or attics (without proper egress or electrical permits)

✔ Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC upgrades without inspections

✔ Garage conversions or detached structures (sheds, workshops, guest houses)

✔ Decks, fences, or patios built without approval

In Coupeville, all major structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work typically requires a permit from Island County. If the work wasn’t properly approved, it could create hurdles when selling.

💡 Pro Tip: If you're unsure whether past renovations were permitted, you can check with Island County Planning & Building Department for permit records.

2. Can You Sell a Home with Unpermitted Work?

Yes! Selling a home with unpermitted work is possible, but it requires strategy and transparency. Buyers may hesitate if they see unpermitted work as a liability, so knowing how to handle it is key.

Here are your options:

✔ Sell the Home As-Is

You can sell the home with full disclosure of the unpermitted work. Some buyers—especially cash buyers or investors—are willing to take on homes with minor permit issues.

✔ Bring the Work Up to Code

If the unpermitted work is minor, you may be able to retroactively permit it by working with Island County officials.

✔ Adjust the Asking Price

If you’re selling as-is, pricing the home accordingly can help attract buyers willing to take on permit-related concerns.

✔ Offer a Repair Credit or Negotiation Incentive

You might negotiate seller concessions or credits for the buyer to address the issue themselves after closing.

💡 Team Kelli Lang helps sellers evaluate these options to determine the best path for their unique situation.

3. How Does Unpermitted Work Impact a Home Sale?

Unpermitted work can create challenges with lenders, buyers, and appraisals. Here’s how:

🏡 Mortgage & Lender Concerns

If the buyer is using financing, their lender may require:
✔ A certified home inspection to confirm safety and code compliance.

✔ A review of property records to ensure all modifications are permitted.

✔ Repairs or permitting before approving the loan.

💡 Cash buyers are less concerned with permits, making them strong prospects for an as-is sale.

🔎 Buyer Hesitation

Buyers may worry about:

✔ Future legal or tax implications.

✔ Insurance coverage issues (some providers may deny claims for unpermitted work).

✔ The possibility of fines or required fixes from the county.

💡 Transparent disclosures and proper negotiation strategies can help ease buyer concerns.

🏠 Home Appraisal Challenges

✔ If unpermitted work adds significant square footage, appraisers may not count it in the valuation.

✔ If it negatively affects the home’s safety, it could lead to a lower appraisal value.

💡 Listing the home at the right price ensures fewer surprises in the process.

4. What Are Your Options to Fix Unpermitted Work?

✅ Option 1: Obtain a Retroactive Permit

Some work can be brought up to code through an after-the-fact permit process. This may involve:

✔ Submitting plans and documents to the county.

✔ Having an inspector assess the work.

✔ Making necessary upgrades to meet code.

💡 This is a great option for smaller modifications that need minimal changes.

✅ Option 2: Remove the Unpermitted Work

If the work is minor, it may be easier to remove it than legalize it. For example, taking down an unpermitted shed or deck could be cost-effective.

✅ Option 3: Disclose & Sell As-Is

If retroactive permitting or removal isn’t feasible, you can sell as-is with full disclosure. Some buyers may be willing to accept the risk if the home is priced correctly.

💡 At Team Kelli Lang, we help sellers find the most profitable solution based on their goals and the current market.

5. Why Work with Team Kelli Lang?

Selling a home with unpermitted work requires experience, strong negotiation skills, and the right marketing approach. At Team Kelli Lang, we help Coupeville homeowners:

✅ Evaluate the impact of unpermitted work on their home sale.

✅ Determine the best pricing & disclosure strategy for a smooth transaction.

✅ Attract the right buyers, including cash buyers and investors.

✅ Negotiate successfully to avoid permit-related deal breakers.

💡 We’ve helped homeowners in Coupeville sell quickly and for top dollar—even with permit concerns. Let us do the same for you!

6. Ready to Sell Your Home in Coupeville? Let’s Talk!

If your home has unpermitted work, don’t stress—we’ll help you navigate the sale successfully. Contact Team Kelli Lang today for a free home consultation and expert advice tailored to your situation.

📞 Call us at 360-443-9589 or email team@kellilang.com to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

💡 Your home sale should be profitable and hassle-free. Let’s make it happen together!