Selling a House With Unpermitted Work in DuPage County

Yes. We buy houses with unpermitted work as-is, whether it’s a finished basement, a deck or an addition. You can sell without legalizing it first, but it helps to know where it tends to come up.

Last reviewed: October 2026, by Brad Esposito

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Who's writing this guide?

I’m Brad Esposito with Family Property Buyers in St. Charles. If a past owner, or you, did work without a permit, here’s how that usually plays out when you sell, in plain terms. I buy houses directly from owners, in any condition, including 2 to 4 unit buildings. You get a written cash offer within 24 hours of our first visit or meeting, and we close on your timeline.

Which question brought you here?

Can I sell a house with unpermitted work in DuPage County?
Who issues permits in unincorporated DuPage County?
Do I have to fix unpermitted work before I sell?
What if a permit was opened and never closed?
How fast can I get an offer?

What counts as unpermitted work?

Usually it’s work that needed a permit and never got one, or a permit that was opened and never closed with a final inspection. Common examples are basement finishes, bathrooms added later, decks, enclosed porches, garage conversions and electrical changes. Sometimes the owner has no idea; it was done before they bought.

Which projects need a permit in DuPage County?

It depends on where the house is. Inside a village or city, that municipality’s building department decides. In unincorporated areas, the county’s Building and Permits page lists projects that go through DuPage County Building and Zoning, including additions, decks, detached garages, sheds, fences, pools, remodels, re-roofing and electrical panel work. Their number is 630-407-6700.

Where does it usually come up in a sale?

Three places. A buyer’s inspector or appraiser notices square footage or a room that isn’t on the county record. A lender questions it. Or the town has its own pre-sale step; Addison, for example, wants a permit release showing no open permits before it issues its transfer stamp, per its real estate transfers page. Not every town does this, so check yours.

Do I have to disclose it?

Illinois sellers of most homes fill out a residential disclosure report, and known material defects generally belong on it. How that applies to past unpermitted work depends on the facts. Don’t guess. Talk to an Illinois attorney before you fill out the form or sign a contract.

What are my options?

Permit it now. Apply after the fact, open walls if the inspector asks, and fix what fails. This can take time and money, and the result isn’t known up front.
Remove it. Take out the work and return that part of the house to what was permitted.
Sell as-is. Price the house with the work as it is, and let the buyer take it on. That’s what we do.

What should I gather before talking to a buyer?

Anything you have: old permits, contractor invoices, photos from before and after, the date you bought, and any village letters. If you don’t have them, that’s fine. Tell me what you know, and I’ll factor it into the offer.

Should I sell to you or list with an agent?

Here’s an honest comparison:

Listing usually wins when the house is in good shape, you have time, and you want the highest possible price.
Selling to us may fit when the house needs work you don’t want to do, you’re behind on payments, or you need a set closing date.
Costs. Selling directly to us means you don’t list with an agent, and we can often cover closing costs. We explain every cost up front, before you sign anything.

If listing is the better choice for your house, I’ll tell you.

What if selling is the cleaner path?

You don’t have to fix anything first.

We buy as-is: no showings, no repairs needed. Selling directly to us means you don’t list with an agent.

We can often cover closing costs. We explain every cost up front, before you sign anything.

How do you check out any cash buyer before you sign?

Get the offer in writing. It should show the price and who pays which costs.
Read the whole contract. Ask about any line you don’t understand before you sign.
Have your own attorney. An Illinois real estate attorney can review the contract for you.
Check that the business is registered. You can look it up on the Illinois Secretary of State business search.
Don’t pay upfront fees. You shouldn’t have to pay anyone just to sell your house.
Ask about your right to cancel. Illinois law gives owners behind on a mortgage or taxes extra protections in some sales. An attorney can tell you what applies to you.

This is general information, not legal advice. Talk to an Illinois attorney about your situation.

What happens if you reach out to us?

Tell me about the house. Use the form, call or text (331) 422-3828, or email [email protected].
We look at the house together, in person or by phone.
You get a written cash offer within 24 hours of our first visit or meeting. There’s no obligation. Show it to your attorney or family before you decide.
If you say yes, we close on your timeline.