Selling or refinancing? Unpermitted work discovered during a transaction can delay or derail a closing. Contact us early — we can often schedule an inspection within a few business days.
What Is an After-the-Fact Inspection?
An after-the-fact inspection — sometimes called a retroactive or unpermitted work inspection — is required when construction, renovation, or improvements were completed without obtaining the required building permits or without scheduling the mandatory inspections during construction.
This situation is more common than many realize. Work done by a previous owner, projects started before permit requirements were understood, or construction that outpaced the inspection schedule can all result in unpermitted work that must be evaluated before a property can be sold, refinanced, or legally occupied.
Robert Gutowski, ICC Certified Building Official, conducts thorough after-the-fact inspections across North Georgia's 15-county service area. His reports document existing conditions, identify code deficiencies, and outline the specific corrective actions required to achieve compliance.
Robert Gutowski, C.B.O.
After-the-Fact Specialist
ICC Certified · 30+ Years Experience
Why This Matters
Property Sales & Closings
Unpermitted work discovered during a real estate transaction can delay or kill a closing. An after-the-fact inspection and compliance report can resolve the issue and keep the deal on track.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies may deny claims for damage to unpermitted structures or additions. Bringing work into compliance protects your coverage.
Liability & Safety
Uninspected electrical, structural, or mechanical work poses real safety risks. Identifying and correcting deficiencies protects occupants and limits contractor liability.
Refinancing & Appraisals
Lenders and appraisers increasingly flag unpermitted work. A compliance inspection and documentation can satisfy lender requirements.
The After-the-Fact Inspection Process
Initial Consultation
Contact us to describe the scope of work completed without inspection. We'll assess the situation and explain what documentation and access will be needed.
Site Inspection
Robert conducts a thorough on-site evaluation of all work completed without inspection, assessing compliance with applicable building codes in effect at the time of construction.
Deficiency Report
You receive a detailed written report identifying any code deficiencies, required corrective actions, and the specific code sections that apply.
Corrective Work
Your contractor completes any required corrective work identified in the deficiency report. In some cases, destructive investigation (opening walls, etc.) may be required to inspect concealed work.
Re-Inspection & Compliance Letter
After corrections are made, a re-inspection confirms compliance. A formal compliance letter is issued documenting that the work meets applicable code requirements.
Common After-the-Fact Inspection Scenarios
Frequently Asked Questions
Request an After-the-Fact Inspection
Describe your project below and Robert will follow up within one business day to discuss next steps.
- ICC Certified Building Official (CBO)
- Serving 15 North Georgia counties
- Written deficiency report with code citations
- Re-inspection and compliance letter upon correction
- Available for real estate transaction timelines