Can I sell my house if there was unpermitted electrical work?

Yes, you can sell your house with unpermitted electrical work in Ottawa, but it will likely create complications and potentially reduce your sale price or delay the transaction.

Here's what typically happens during a real estate transaction in Ottawa when unpermitted electrical work is discovered:

During the Sale Process

Most buyers will hire a home inspector who will identify unpermitted electrical work. When this happens, buyers often request one of three things: a price reduction to cover bringing the work up to code, that you obtain proper ESA permits and inspections before closing, or they may walk away from the deal entirely.

Your real estate lawyer will likely advise full disclosure of any known unpermitted work. In Ontario, sellers have a duty to disclose material defects, and unpermitted electrical work that doesn't meet Ontario Electrical Safety Code standards could qualify.

Getting Right with ESA

The cleanest solution is to resolve the electrical issues before listing. Contact ESA at 1-877-372-7233 or visit esasafe.com to discuss your options. You'll need to:

Have the work inspected by ESA - they'll identify what needs to be brought up to current code. Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) to make any required corrections. You can find licensed contractors at licensing.esasafe.com. Pay for ESA re-inspection once corrections are complete (typically $100-200).

What Buyers and Lenders Care About

Mortgage lenders may refuse financing if there are obvious electrical safety issues. Insurance companies might deny coverage or charge higher premiums for homes with unpermitted electrical work. Buyers worry about safety risks and the cost of future corrections.

Your Options in Ottawa

You can sell "as-is" with full disclosure, but expect lower offers to account for the electrical work needed. Get quotes from Licensed Electrical Contractors before listing so you know the actual cost to fix issues. Consider fixing the most critical safety issues while disclosing minor code violations.

Timeline Considerations

If you choose to get ESA permits and inspections, allow 2-4 weeks for the process. ESA inspections in the Ottawa area are typically scheduled within 5-10 business days of request. Any required corrections will add additional time.

The key is being upfront about the situation. Many Ottawa homes have some unpermitted work, and experienced real estate professionals know how to navigate these situations. Contact ESA early in your selling process to understand exactly what you're dealing with - it's better to know the scope before buyers start making demands.

For ESA permit applications and inspections in Ottawa, call 1-877-372-7233 or visit esasafe.com. The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) can also provide guidance if structural electrical work was involved.