How to Verify Home Improvements Before Buying a House
Renovations can make a home more attractive, but buyers should confirm that major improvements are accurately represented and properly documented.
A new kitchen or updated flooring may be easy to see. Other improvements—such as a finished basement, building addition, converted garage, or second dwelling unit—require a closer review.
Start With the Property Listing
Read the listing carefully and identify every feature that may have changed the original structure or use of the home.
Examples include:
- Finished basement
- Additional bedroom
- Additional bathroom
- Rear extension
- Second-story addition
- Dormer
- Garage conversion
- Accessory apartment
- Swimming pool
- Deck
- Detached garage
- Enclosed porch
Create a list rather than relying only on photographs.
Compare the Listing With the Assessment Record
The assessment record may contain information about:
- Building size
- Lot size
- Property class
- Number of stories
- Building type
- Year built
- Land and improvement information
The assessment record may not describe every renovation in detail, but major inconsistencies should be investigated.
For example, if the listing describes a much larger home than the government record, the buyer should determine why the numbers are different.
Review the Property Survey
A survey may show whether exterior improvements are located on the parcel.
Check whether the survey includes:
- Decks
- Pools
- Garages
- Sheds
- Additions
- Driveways
- Fences
An older survey may not show recent work, so buyers should confirm when the survey was prepared.
Check Permit and Building Records
Permit records may help determine whether major work was reviewed by the applicable municipality.
Buyers should ask:
- Was a permit issued?
- Was the work inspected?
- Was the permit closed?
- Is there a Certificate of Occupancy or completion record?
- Are any permits still open?
- Is the information currently recorded in municipal records?
Compare All Available Records
Before closing, buyers should compare:
- Property listing
- Assessment record
- Survey
- Permit history
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Home inspection report
- Physical condition of the property
Meaningful inconsistencies deserve clarification before closing.
Discuss Questions With Professionals
A buyer's attorney, title company, surveyor, home inspector, and realtor can each provide valuable perspective on property records and documentation.
AIDOTAX helps homeowners organize assessment records and property information. Buyers should discuss any outstanding concerns with appropriate professionals before making a purchase decision.