CO for basement

skew Posted: Feb 14, 2005 10:50 AM

CO for basement

the house that we are looking to purchase does not have a CO for the finished basement. is this a problem?

i don't see how it can be considered 'livinig sapce' as there is no heat or plumbing (w/ the exception of the washer/dryer). basically the basement is divided into 4 rooms (3 of which have carpeting and shetrock (walls and ceiling), the other room is the boiler/laundry and is not 'finished'.

laughinlala Posted: Feb 14, 2005 02:02 PM

Re: CO for basement

If a CO is pending on the basement (or any other area of the house) it could be an issue in terms of closing dates. I am waiting for a CO on my house (in contract) for the past 4 months! If the CO is not obtained by former owner you could end up having to fix/tear down their renovations. What town is it in?

wc0143 Posted: Feb 14, 2005 02:21 PM

Re: CO for basement

When DH bought the house from his mom, he had to pull down the deck because there was no CO ...

princess99 Posted: Feb 14, 2005 03:41 PM

Re: CO for basement

I think becuase there is a finished ceiling it needs a CO. I remember my dad redid and finished the basement but would not finish the ceiling becuase of this and he did not want to be taxed on it too.

skew Posted: Feb 14, 2005 03:58 PM

Re: CO for basement

the CO is NOT pending, there isn't one nor is the seller going to get one. our attorney isn't not at all concerned. just wanted others opinioins though.

Jmg11 Posted: Feb 14, 2005 04:28 PM

Re: CO for basement

our closing was delayed MONTHS because our seller didn't have a CO for the extention/basement/ and deck. You should absolutely find out if it is necessary from the town - not the lawyer or broker!!

StepherG Posted: Feb 15, 2005 10:02 AM

Re: CO for basement

Is the house being sold with a finished basement? If so then it needs a CO...if the sellers are claiming that the basement is unfinished, then you wouldnt need one. I know that when we sold our old house it had a bathroom in it. We didn't have a CO (neither did the people who sold it to us) and we just disconnected the toilet, sink and took down the shower....and sold it 'unfinished'
We left the pieces in the basement for the new owners to hook up when they wanted to.

jms100303 Posted: Feb 15, 2005 02:10 PM

Re: CO for basement

The bank may have a problem, but since the bank inspector usually walks around the outside they will probably never see the sheetrocked walls and carpet. Worst thing that happens? You pull up the carpet or take down the sheetrock.

skew Posted: Feb 15, 2005 06:20 PM

Re: CO for basement

Posted by StepherG

Is the house being sold with a finished basement? If so then it needs a CO...if the sellers are claiming that the basement is unfinished, then you wouldnt need one. I know that when we sold our old house it had a bathroom in it. We didn't have a CO (neither did the people who sold it to us) and we just disconnected the toilet, sink and took down the shower....and sold it 'unfinished'
We left the pieces in the basement for the new owners to hook up when they wanted to.

yes, the house is being sold w/ a 'finished' basement. as mentioned, 3 rooms in the basement have sheetrock (walls and ceilings) and carpeting), the 4th room (boiler and laundry room) is not finished. it is listed as 'full' not 'finished.

the seller bought the house 3 years ago (basement was finished prior to her purchasing) and does not have a CO nor does she plan to get a CO.

LisaT Posted: Feb 15, 2005 08:02 PM

Re: CO for basement

I think the CO becomes more of an issue if there's a bath down there.

From an appraisal standpoint, the basement is never considered 'living space' regardless of whether its finished or not.

I don't think it will be a problem for you.