Work that is often done without permits
- Garage converted to a bedroom, living room, or rental unit
- Back patio enclosed into a room
- Room additions, back houses, large sheds
- Electrical, plumbing, A/C, or roof replaced without permits
- Walls removed or the structure changed inside
Risks of leaving it as it is
- The city can fine you if someone reports it or it is inspected
- Insurance can deny claims for damage linked to unpermitted work
- Buyers using a loan: appraisers usually do not count unpermitted space, and lenders sometimes require fixes first
- Safety: electrical, gas, and exits not built to code
Checking what is permitted
Ask the Building Department of the city where the house is, or the county for unincorporated areas such as Midway City. Request the permit history by address, and compare the square footage in the records with the real house.
3 options when selling
1. Legalize before selling
Since 2020, California law has expanded garage-to-ADU conversions. Many converted garages can be permitted after the fact. You typically need drawings, an application, and city inspections, and sometimes must open walls, redo electrical, or add egress windows. It can take months and tens of thousands of dollars. In return, when you sell with an agent, that space is counted in the value.
2. Restore it to the original
For example, turn the room back into a garage. Cheaper than legalizing but you lose living space.
3. Sell as-is with full disclosure
Disclose everything on the transfer disclosure statement and sell to a cash buyer who accepts the unpermitted space. Fastest, with no money up front.
This article is general information only, not legal or tax advice. Laws change; ask an attorney or CPA about your specific situation.