Warren, MI asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan

Q: Is there anything I can do after unknowingly buying a horrible house?

The house I just bought was supposed to be totally renovated. After moving in I discovered the electrical was not done by code & had to be completely re-done in the kitchen. There was a gas leak I had to have repaired & now the plumbing is malfunctioning. I just came across what the house looked like before being "remodeled" & I am not confident they did anything the right way. They should have tore it down. Am I just stuck with it now, is there any legal action I can take?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
Answered
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: Generally, you have the option to inspect the house before purchasing. Did you have an inspector look at it? From that point forward, if you go through with the sale, you may be on the hook for whatever you find.

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
Answered
  • Fowlerville, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: Is there a local rule in the municipality concerning homeowner renovations? This is never as cut and dried as you might think.

Unless the seller misrepresented something in the seller's disclosure statement related to the issues you raise, there will likely not be anything you can do.

That said, even if there IS misrepresentation you need to be able to prove that misrepresentation was intentional and not accidental, and that they KNEW of the condition complained of.

This is a DIFFICULT case to prove, and the reason real inspections and 'teeth' in clauses allowing people to back out of deals is important. Trying to do this 'after the fact' is never ideal and will cost a lot more than if it had been addressed at the time of the sale.

Please contact a local real estate attorney and bring ALL the paperwork and evidence you have with you. That will get you on track to decide what, if anything, you can do. Good luck!

-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.

I am licensed to practice in Michigan only. Please seek competent local legal help if you feel you need legal advice

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