Code violations and unpermitted work can complicate the sale of your Baton Rouge home. Many buyers walk away upon discovering code issues, and correcting these violations can be costly and time-consuming.
If your Baton Rouge property has code violations, unpermitted additions, or compliance issues, Geaux Home Buyers can help. We purchase homes with code problems, enabling you to sell quickly without needing to fix the violations first.
Common Code Violations in Baton Rouge Homes
Code violations can take many forms:
Unpermitted Additions: Rooms, garages, or other structures built without the necessary permits.
Electrical Issues: Outdated or improper electrical work that does not meet current codes.
Plumbing Problems: Unpermitted plumbing modifications or violations.
Structural Changes: Load-bearing wall removals or other modifications completed without permits.
Zoning Violations: Property use that does not comply with zoning regulations.
Safety Hazards: Issues such as improper egress, missing smoke detectors, or unsafe stairs.
Rental Compliance: Rental properties that fail to meet housing codes.
How Code Violations Affect Traditional Sales
Code violations pose significant challenges during traditional sales:
Disclosure Requirements: Louisiana law mandates sellers disclose known defects and violations.
Buyer Financing Issues: Many lenders will not finance homes with substantial code violations.
Insurance Problems: Some insurers may refuse coverage for properties with known code issues.
Appraisal Impacts: Appraisers might note violations, influencing property value.
Inspection Discoveries: Inspections can often reveal violations, even if you were unaware of them.
Deal Killers: Numerous buyers may walk away instead of addressing code issues.
The Cost of Correcting Code Violations
Correcting violations can be both costly and time-consuming:
Permit fees for obtaining after-the-fact permits
Costs needed to bring work up to current code (not original code)
Possible removal and redoing of unpermitted work
Engineering or architect fees for plans
Multiple inspections and potential re-work
Delays of weeks or months
For many homeowners, the expense of correction exceeds the value added to the property.
Why Cash Buyers Don’t Worry About Code Violations
At Geaux Home Buyers, we view code violations as just one factor in our assessment:
No Loan Involvement: No lender requirements to meet.
Comfortable with Paperwork: We know how to navigate city processes to resolve issues.
Offers Consider the Cost: We provide fair offers that reflect the cost of addressing violations.
Strong Contractor Relationships: We can often resolve issues more effectively than individual homeowners.
We Accept the Responsibility: We manage code issues after the purchase.
Your Options With a Code Violation Property
You have several choices if your Baton Rouge home has code violations:
1. Fix the Violations: This can be costly and time-consuming, but is often necessary for a traditional sale. 2. Disclose and Discount: Sell traditionally at a reduced price and hope for a buyer. 3. Sell to a Cash Buyer: Receive a fair offer that considers the violations and close quickly.
For many homeowners with code violation properties, option 3 often offers the best combination of speed, certainty, and fair value. Reach out to Geaux Home Buyers to discuss your situation.
Areas We Serve
We buy houses across the Greater Baton Rouge area including Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Central, Baker, Zachary, Gonzales, Prairieville, Port Allen, Walker, and nearby communities in East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Ascension, and West Baton Rouge parishes. Whether your property is in Mid City, Sherwood Forest, Broadmoor, or any neighborhood in between, we are prepared to make you a fair cash offer.
Call to Action
Ready to sell your Baton Rouge house quickly? Contact Geaux Home Buyers today for a free, no-obligation cash offer. We buy houses in any condition throughout Greater Baton Rouge and can close in as little as 7 days. Call us now or fill out our online form to get started!