What can happen if I remodel without a building permit?

[guy2073]

Why not have the electrician and HVAC guy pull their own permits? Depending on the wall you may need a building permit. I am a general contractor, I can't pull these permits in the city.

[phatty5011]

Thank you both for the info. I wasn't sure if they get their own or not.

[SuburbanPioneer]

I wasn't sure if you were going to do any of the work yourself. If you are getting a contractor, they usually get all necessary permits for the job. The permit fee is then either factored into their bid or they itemize it on the final bill.

[Goodjules]

Originally Posted by SuburbanPioneer

I wasn't sure if you were going to do any of the work yourself. If you are getting a contractor, they usually get all necessary permits for the job. The permit fee is then either factored into their bid or they itemize it on the final bill.

Yep. Before I did the major renovation I had a tiny bedroom converted into a laundry room. I hired a licensed plumber to do the work. He pulled the permit and coordinated the inspections. All I had to do was pay him.

[selltheburgh]

I recently heard about a house in Lawrenceville that had a full remodel. Plumbing, Wiring plus cosmetic things.

It sold. New buyers moved in. City inspector caught wind of all of the work that was done because of complaints about some things not working properly. He required that all of it be opened back up and done properly.

Seller was responsible. Instead of going to court, they opted to spend about 40k to make good on the issue.

Same thing happened with a developer building new in Lville. They didn't pull permits and started hanging drywall. The inspector made them rip out tile and drywall to check the plumbing and electric - which wasn't done properly.

[Goodjules]

Originally Posted by selltheburgh

I recently heard about a house in Lawrenceville that had a full remodel. Plumbing, Wiring plus cosmetic things.

It sold. New buyers moved in. City inspector caught wind of all of the work that was done because of complaints about some things not working properly. He required that all of it be opened back up and done properly.

Seller was responsible. Instead of going to court, they opted to spend about 40k to make good on the issue.

Same thing happened with a developer building new in Lville. They didn't pull permits and started hanging drywall. The inspector made them rip out tile and drywall to check the plumbing and electric - which wasn't done properly.

Yep. Isn't worth the risk not to pull permits, IMHO. Plus, I'd worry about a contractor who doesn't want to pull permits. Is there something wrong with his work? Cutting corners?

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by selltheburgh

I recently heard about a house in Lawrenceville that had a full remodel. Plumbing, Wiring plus cosmetic things.

It sold. New buyers moved in. City inspector caught wind of all of the work that was done because of complaints about some things not working properly. He required that all of it be opened back up and done properly.

Seller was responsible. Instead of going to court, they opted to spend about 40k to make good on the issue.

Same thing happened with a developer building new in Lville. They didn't pull permits and started hanging drywall. The inspector made them rip out tile and drywall to check the plumbing and electric - which wasn't done properly.

I always ask for the better title insurance Q & A About Title Insurance - First American Title Insurance - Resource Center - Reference Information - Title Insurance Reference Articles it covers unpermitted work