Home > Uncategorized > Half Built Homes and Neighborhood Values

Half Built Homes and Neighborhood Values

October 19th, 2010 Leave a comment Go to comments

The Chicago Tribune had an informative article on the problem of half-built residences and the effect on neighborhoods on Sunday. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-16/news/ct-met-half-built-houses-20101016_1_half-built-homes-construction-site-property-values We’ve been struggling with the problem for over 2 years now with spotty success.  The homes are half-built because the contractor or homeowner ran out of money and can’t get a new loan.  Many of the properties are in foreclosure.  Sometimes we’ve been able to get the exterior of the building finished so the house looks like it’s occupied even if the interior is not.  Usually though we have to wait until the lender takes possession so that we have someone with resources to do something.  Another option is to file an action for demolition if the property is unsafe or unsound after being open to the elements though the local jurisdiction has to be willing to spend legal fees on such a lawsuit.  Once the building permit expires, I’ve been using the property maintenance code for enforcement.  I’ve been arguing that once there is no construction going on, the structure is an “existing structure” of some type and, therefore, subject to the IPMC.  Another approach is to declare an unfinished building a nuisance under the local nuisance ordinance and then order that the nuisance be abated.  However, the lack of financial resources may make this impossible for the current owner.

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:
  1. Jerry
    October 20th, 2010 at 08:45 | #1

    Though the following comments may suggest otherwise I am not a fan of big government.
    Whenever I see these properties or read a similar article I wonder if it’s not a good idea to enact regulations requiring performance and payment bonds for residential construction. A performance bond would ensure that the structure would be completed. Payment bond would protect homeowner from a having liens placed against their property by unpaid suppliers or subcontractors. While no one may want to pay for these bonds they would protect both homeowners from being victimize by bad contractors and communities from being victimized by half-built homes.

  1. No trackbacks yet.

To fight spam, please answer this math problem before submitting: * Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.

Contact Linda: lpiec@sbcglobal.net | 129 Maumell St., Hinsdale, IL 60521 | Phone: (630) 655-8783
Disclaimer

This blog site is published by and reflects the personal views of Linda Pieczynski, in her individual capacity. It does not necessarily represent the views of her law firm or her clients, and is not sponsored or endorsed by them. The purpose of this blog site is to assist in dissemination of information about legal issues relating to building code enforcement, but no representation is made about the accuracy of the information. The information contained in this blog site is provided only as general information for education purposes, and blog topics may or may not be updated subsequent to their initial posting.

By using this blog site you understand that this information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to constitute legal advice. This blog site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney in your state. This blog site is not intended to be advertising for legal services and Linda Pieczynski does not wish to represent anyone desiring representation based upon viewing this blog site in a state where this blog site fails to comply with all laws and ethical rules of that state.