DPIE Urges Home Buyers to Beware of Unpermitted Construction

Each year, aspiring local buyers cross paths with unscrupulous “flippers” who purchase properties cheap, make shoddy repairs or changes without the required permits and inspections, then sell them to unsuspecting purchasers. Those buyers later experience problems related to the substandard construction. Projects such as erecting a deck, finishing a basement, remodeling a kitchen and building an addition require permits and inspections.

Take steps before you buy to prevent you and your family from getting hammered in a bad deal. Hire a certified independent inspector to inspect the home and identify any problems with construction. Visit DPIE's website Permits & Inspections Search, Status and History page to check for any permits that have been pulled for work on the property. 

Walk away from any house with unpermitted construction or require the seller to fix the problems and secure the appropriate permits and inspections before you sign on the dotted line.  Remember to notify DPIE so the seller can be held accountable. County law helps authorities act against flippers and others responsible for unpermitted construction.

You may access the following resources on the DPIE website:

• Find out when a permit is required at DPIE's website Residential Building page.
• Check the Permit History by Street Address. When entering the street name, use the first term. For example, search Chancellors Drive using “Chancellors.”
• Request copies of permits through the Methods for Submitting Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) Requests page.

For more information, visit the DPIE website or contact DPIEPIO@co.pg.md.us.