Unpermitted Work, Open Permits or Work Orders

Unpermitted work or an open work order can scare off buyers and lenders. We buy as-is and take that off your plate. We can usually make an offer within an hour of speaking with you, often while we're still on the phone, and close in as little as 7 days, or on the date you choose. No cost, no obligation, no pressure.

A typical Ontario home — Unpermitted Work, Open Permits or Work Orders

What's going on

Unpermitted work — a finished basement, a deck, electrical or plumbing done without a permit — is more common than people think. So are open permits and municipal work orders. The problem is that retail buyers and their lenders often run the other way, and a work order from the municipality can hold up a sale entirely.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Please check with your municipality about open permits and work orders. Here's how a direct sale can work.

Your options

Selling to us is only one path. Here are the options most homeowners consider in this situation.

Resolve the permits or work order

You can apply for retroactive permits and fix the work to code, or comply with the work order. This can take weeks or months and cost a lot.

List and disclose

You can list and disclose the unpermitted work, but buyers will discount heavily and many lenders won't finance a house with open permit issues.

Sell as-is to a direct buyer

We buy as-is, including unpermitted work and open work orders. We take on the hassle of resolving them after the sale.

How we can help

  • We buy as-is — unpermitted work, open permits, and work orders don't rule a house out.
  • You don't need to resolve the permits or comply with the work order before selling.
  • We can close in as little as 7 days, or on the date you choose.
  • We take on the resolution after the sale, so it's off your plate.

Frequently asked questions

Skip the showings — get my offer

Ready to skip the showings?

Tell us about your house and get a no-obligation offer. We can usually make an offer within an hour of speaking with you, often while we're still on the phone.