@SaltiDawg, Yes this how things work in NJ, a while back they really came down with this when homeowners started to get hurt and structures like decks started to collapse, fires from faulty electrical work, etc started to hit the media and complaints started to flood building departments and I'm not talking only in NJ, this regulation is starting to be adopted in other states as well.
So because of that, every house sold in most municipalities in NJ must get a Certificate of Occupancy before selling their house without that no lawyer will close on it unless you buying as is and even then you have to submit a letter that you will not occupy the premises until the required inspections completed.
The Fire and Housing inspector come out and check everything out, to make sure smoke alarms work, make sure there was no structural alteration, stair alterations, additions, decks, finished basements, etc wasn't done without permits etc. If they see a deck or a basement and there is no permit recorded, HO must get a permit and if any violations they much bring it to code compliance.
Some towns are stricter than others, like my town if there is a fan in the room and there is no permit for it on record, you have two choices, remove it and hang a regular fixture, or you get a letter from the licensed contractor with his seal on it that it was installed correctly and it has a fan box. Each town wants certain things done so the structure is safe and so is the new homeowners.
Since this new regulation came out, code violation repairs have been a big part of the business and I kid you not the "shady work" we come across which was done by the previous HO or by some unlicensed "hack" they hired, it's a disaster waiting to happen and the last thing you wanna see is a family with kids to move into some of this houses and for something to happen...Some are minor items and some are serious structural issues and
I know for many sellers having to go through this process is a royal "pain in the a$$" especially if something was done "halfway fast" and without permits, but amazingly many sellers are willing to do everything necessary to make sure the buyers are safe and happy in their new home, instead of having to deal with something like this after a year being in the house:
Addition with no permit before adoption of these regulations
Hacked up deck job before adoption
I have a whole folder of these beauties, and this is the obvious, easy to spot... if you saw the hidden items we uncover it would make your jaw drop.
Q
My home had zero permits. Uncertified electrical, construction trash down vents, multiple safety code violations. Flippers pull bogus moves consistently. Permits require professional contractor signatures.
Q