C of O issues

When you guys were buying/selling your house, did you have an problems with CO's and dormers?

We are having an issue with the house we are buying. The C of O on the house is for a dormer, but it is unclear as to whether or not it covers the rooms and bathroom that were built in the dormer. I am getting so confused and getting the run around about this issue.

Our title report is unclear as to whether or not the C of O includes the rooms and bathroom and we went to the town today and asked them and they are saying we dont need anything and they gave us a copy of the C of O from when the house was built and they said that is all we need. Now my atty is saying we need a C of O saying that the rooms and bathroom are included with the C of O for the shell dormer???

My atty spoke to my dad today about it and he isnt home for me to talk to him to see what he said after we went to the town. (Half the problem is all the people involved: me, FH, my father, our atty, REA, seller and sellers atty who knows jack sh*t about real estate) I feel like sometimes we are all playing a game of telephone with each other and getting facts all screwed up.

We are thinking of closing with the C of O issue still going on and putting the money in escrow, but I really dont want to inherit someone else's problems. (also if the bank allows us to) I just dont know what to do anymore and just want to tear my hair out!!

Any advice or suggestions??

God bless if you got through all this and understand what I am talking about!

Re: C of O issues

we looked at a house today that had a converted garage that is an apartment. We asked our RE to find out about the CO because if there is none then we deff. will not put an offer in.

To my understanding depending on your town (in teh village of Lindy) you need the CO for the dormer and the bathroom should be listed because the village would have to had inspect the plumbing and it would be reflected on the taxes on the house.

Re: C of O issues

Re: C of O issues

We just had work done and the original CO listed "+500 sq. ft for 2nd floor" - this was the finished attic space. There was a bathroom up there, but I question whether or not it was done legally - I doubt it.

The work we did was to add a dormer in that area, gut and replace the bathroom. The new CO reads:

2nd story addition approx. 127 SF 2nd floor altered 100 SF Plumbing: 2nd floor 1-water closet, 1-lavatory, 1-shower, 1-whirlpool tub.

This is town of Islip and they seem to be pretty detailed about what's included. As part of the work they did a basement inspection which I gather is pretty routine if they are doing any field inspections. We had to bring the previous owners undocumented basement alterations up to code (at a cost of about $1200 for fines and labor) and they added an amendment that says: Parial finished celler approx. 667 SF on concrete slab - Plumbing: 1-washing machine hook up.

Re: C of O issues

Your attorney should order the building plans from the town and the building card. Hopefully these plans can shed some light as to whether or not all the structures are covered under the CofC.

Re: C of O issues

If you go to the TOH Building Department, you can get a copy of all the permits that were filed for the property. I did this when I was buying. They charge you $25, but I got a printout of all the permits that were applied for and whether or not they were closed out. For me, it was worth it, because I wanted to know myself if any work was done without permits. I am glad I did, because I have since heard a couple of stories about permits that were never closed out (in other Towns) and fines that had to be paid as a result. The bank supposedly checked on this and told the new homeowner that all was fine.

Perhaps a permit was filed, but never actually closed out (to get the CO) when the work was done?

Message edited 5/8/2009 10:14:31 AM.

Re: C of O issues