無 permit 雙車房 同 無permit移除室內樓梯

yoshi86

求救!!!!!
There is a house in Burnaby I really want to buy, the only problem is the owner built the double detach garage without permit, and also they removed the staircase inside the house to make it 2 separate units.

For the staircase removal, I am not too worry about it, since nobody will notice or complaint about it, so City of Burnaby will never know.

For the garage, I am afraid that if someone somehow complaints about it, I will have to get permit, and since its a really huge garage, I really doubt that it will qualifyt. So worst case I will have to pay to tear it down, which I don't really want it to happen.

My main question is, I am afraid that if City come take a look at the garage, will they come inside the house and check other stuffs? If they find out that the staircase has been removed, to revert it back, it's a huge problem...

Anyone has experience of City come check out stuffs?

Thanks!!!!

閒人一個

it sounds like the house is OLD, how about the garage, is it old built?
usually city only take action when neightbor complain at the time you building it.
if it is years old, they won't notice it, no one will go check your building plan.

the staircase, you no need to worry, it is NOT permit related, it is not structure related. and they have NO right to go in and check. unless you want to apply permit to modify your house in the future (include main structure, electric, plumbing). even they go in, they still can't do anything to the staircase.

yoshi86

Hi 閒人一個,

Thanks for your reply
The house is 50+ years old, and the garage is 1yr old according to the owner.
The garage exterior isn't complete yet, may be the owner don't have money to finish it..

I am okay to deal with the garage problem as long as it doesn't cause another problem to the staircase

B2L2

If it is a concern to you (as a buyer), it will also be a concern for the next buyer (when you're selling the house).  Just a thought.

lo_pak

Touch wood, I think there will be a coverage difference for the insurance if you are having an accident at the garage/staircase area one day...

So, I think you have to involve the demo/rebuild cost when you are bargaining.

Your home should be a place where you feel safe and stay calm...

yoshi86

Seems like this house has lots of potential problem for a first time buyer. The seller also don't want to deal with those problem and just want to sell the house. I am not sure if he would lower the price a lot, and I will have to face the same problem when I sell the house
I think it might be better for me to just look for a clean one.

B2L2

That what I will do if I were you too.  Or , you could offer him a price for a similar house without the garage (or even lower since its current config is actually worst than without a garage).  If he doesn't like your offer, just walk away.

Good luck.

FiChai

Is there any realtor working with you right now? He/she should have a better idea to help you dealing with those issues.

zuesel

回復 6# yoshi86

Which area are you mainly looking for? Any luck yet?

my 2 cents:
Personally, I don't want to buy anything with "unknown" potential problems. I am not a builder nor have enough knowledge about housing legal issues so, if I was a first time home buyer, I'd rather spend the hard earned money on a newer (which could mean smaller or further) home to avoid unforeseen issues that could potentially cost "Unknown $$$". Really don't want to live in fear everyday if something should happen which affect my family and throws me off.