Purchasing house without permit for deck

[Fingers]

Just signed a S&P agreement and got a building report done, the deck does not have a permit and is about 3m off the ground. Probably built 10 to 15 years ago.

How easy is it to get a permit for the deck retrospectively? I have also read about a 'safe and sanitary' report, but this does not hold as much weight as a permit.

I don't want to force the vendor to get a permit and there is no way I can get him down any more, we just spent 4 weeks negotiating the agreed price, far below his expectations.

Any thoughts from NZ's best? You know you are!

[Hound]

Sounds like you're buying warts 'n all. I would definitely NOT get the council involved, it's not worth the hassle & expense. Ask a builder or a friendly engineer if the deck is safe, if you are worried about that aspect. Many older houses on the coast have unconsented add ons.

[Viking]

Leaky houses had consents. Use your noodle and decide if you think its safe.

[ChrisD]

Of course, when you come to sell it every purchaser is going to have the same concern you do. It's very likely that you'll lose a lot of buyers if you fail to/refuse to get a Certificate of Acceptance to certify the deck.

Also be aware of any insurance issues.

[Baywatcher]

Get a building inspector Who does private builing reports and works with the local council as their approved inspector to advise what needs to be done for a Certificate of Acceptance . My last one cost around $1500with little building work to be done. Some decks will never get a Certificate of Acceptance.

[Property Man]

I purchased a property several years ago that had some internal changes and got the owner to pay for the engineers report and for it to be lodged at Council on file. It was a safe and sanitary report as you mention. A code of compliance could not be given as the changes were now all covered up. You could see the beam etc for the wall movement in the ceiling, so they were able to make sound judgement on the work carried out and issued one.

It is only a deck as people mention. I would not let that put me off. If it is 15 years old, it is probably due for replacement in the next few years?

You could always try and get the deck added to file. As Baywatcher mentioned it will cost around $1500. You have already got yourself a good bargain by the sounds of it so either take it or leave it, but maybe don't let it be the clincher for the purchase.

Cheers
Aaron

[mortgage broker]

Dont forget you could always rip it down and build another one if the council poses a real problem.

[Xav]

Dont forget you could always rip it down and build another one if the council poses a real problem.

Either that or build up the ground around it so it less than 1m off the ground . Usually not a bad option but might not be such a good approach where the deck is so far off the ground.

[sparxNZ]

Either that or build up the ground around it so it less than 1m off the ground . Usually not a bad option but might not be such a good approach where the deck is so far off the ground.

Wouldn't that require a consented retaining wall if it is over 1m high?
I've never built one but I have been told it gets very expensive when you have to get it engineered.
It's either that or a very large pile of dirt.

[Xav]

If there is a drop of 1m then yes you do Sparx. If you build up the ground so that it is sloped then no. Not always appropriate to do depending on the layout and landscaping of your backyard but can be a useful trick to bear in mind.