So what if the permits weren't obtained?  Building officials can force the current owner to obtain a permit and satisfy all current code requirements, regardless of when the work was done.  They may also enforce a penalty for non-compliance of twice the permit fee. 

  

While the new owner can certainly just go ahead and apply for a permit, that may not be enough.  If plans and specifications were required to have been filed initially, they would now have to be obtained.  An architect or engineer may need to be hired to document the work done.  A contractor may need to rip out finish work to expose electrical and plumbing that needs inspection.  It may almost be cheaper to just remove the renovation and start over.

  

So making sure the sellers provide the appropriate permit documentation isn't just assurance that the work was done by licensed contractors; it can save your clients significant hassle and expense down the road.  It is certainly worth a visit to the local building department.