Can You Sell a Red-Tagged House?

There are several reasons why a particular house is red-tagged. Sometimes, these reasons are beyond the control of homeowners.

Natural Causes

When nature takes its course, no one and nothing can stand in its way. The damages brought by natural phenomena can damage the structural and internal properties of the house. Thus, it becomes unsafe for occupants. Examples of natural causes that may lead to a house being red-tagged are:

• Tornado
• Hurricane
• Flooding
• Earthquake
• Thunderstorm
• Sinkhole

Accidents

Accidents can make a house unsafe for occupancy. Accidents like fire, vehicles running into the home, or even an airplane falling into the house are reasons for red-tagging a property. The house will have the red-tagged label until the damage is repaired so that it becomes safe again.

Building Permit Issues

A building without proper permits is a ground for red-tagging. This normally happens when you make improvements and modifications to the house without valid permits. When making alterations, seek approvals and pay fees to the local building jurisdiction. It can be a workload considering that some changes require several permits.

A building inspector will give corrections or approval of the construction. After the changes are made, the same inspector gives the final approval so that you can get a certificate of occupancy. Should there be a problem, you need to fix the issue stated or pay any fees/penalties you haven’t done yet.

Electrically Unsafe

Unsafe installations, wirings, and panels can be reasons for red-tagging a property. The electrical company can shut off its service to your house because of a problematic meter, panel, or sub-panel. Sometimes, electrical issues also arise after natural phenomena like an earthquake or a storm.

Septic System Failure

A failed septic system is grounds for red-tagging. Some septic issues that may arise include a broken system or leach fields close to bodies of water like rivers, streams, and wells. 

The septic system needs a proper percolation test and must be installed correctly in the location stated on the original plan submitted for permit approval. It will be red-tagged if there are violations of these rules upon inspection by the health or building inspector.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are dangerous and can be fatal. A home can be red-tagged if there is a problem with the gas line. Any signs of gas smell are a tell-tale sign that a gas meter or gas line is leaking. 

Other problems related to gas include damaged supply lines and corroded gas components. Using a flexible gas supply line may also cause a problem.

Similarly, an improper gas line installation is also a red tag issue. Furnace and stove tops are also checked to ensure that they function properly. Otherwise, the home may be red-tagged until the problem is fixed. Calling a gas company technician will also help determine the problem so that fixes can be done.

Structural Questions

Each state and city have its own codes and laws regarding building construction. The safety of the occupants relies on the house structure. If the structure is built substandardly with code violations, it cannot guarantee a strong foundation and may collapse on the people living inside. 

Once codes are unmet, it can result in a red-tagged property. The red tag label is only removed once the issues are fixed to meet the local building codes.