Do You Need a Permit? When Skipping It Will Cost You Thousands

"It's just a small job — we don't need a permit." If you've heard this from a contractor, take it as a warning sign. Permit-skipping is one of the biggest causes of homeowner regret, and the costs of getting caught can be devastating. Here's what every homeowner needs to know. When you DO need a permit Permit requirements vary by city and state, but generally you need one for: - Any structural changes (removing walls, adding rooms) - Electrical work beyond replacing fixtures - Plumbing changes (moving pipes, adding bathrooms) - Roof replacement (in most cities) - New windows or doors that change framing - Decks over 30 inches off the ground - Fences over 6-7 feet - New HVAC systems - Water heater replacement - Garage conversions - ADUs and additions When you usually DON'T need a permit - Painting (interior or exterior) - Replacing flooring with the same type - Replacing fixtures (faucets, light fixtures) - Cabinet installation (without electrical/plumbing changes) - Minor landscaping - Replacing roof shingles (in some areas) Always check with your local building department to be sure — rules vary even between neighboring cities. What happens if you skip a permit 1. You can't sell your house easily When you sell, the buyer's inspector will spot unpermitted work. The buyer can demand you bring it up to code (with a permit), reduce the price by tens of thousands, or walk away from the deal entirely. 2. Your insurance won't cover damage If unpermitted work causes a fire, leak, or collapse, your insurance company can deny the claim. That basement remodel done without a permit? If it floods, you're paying for the damage out of pocket. 3. Massive fines Cities can fine you 2-3x the cost of the permit you skipped. Some areas charge up to $500 per day until you pull the permit retroactively. 4. You might have to tear it out Worst case: the city makes you demolish unpermitted work. We've seen homeowners lose $40,000+ kitchen remodels because they skipped a $300 permit. 5. Tax assessment problems Sometimes the only way to get a permit retroactively is to disclose all the work you did. That increases your property assessment and your taxes — forever. Why contractors push back on permits - They have to deal with inspectors and corrections - It slows down the job - It creates a paper trail that locks them into a timeline - Unlicensed contractors literally cannot pull permits If your contractor doesn't want to pull permits, that's a red flag. A licensed contractor handles permits as part of the job. How to do it right 1. Always ask "is a permit required?" before signing a contract 2. Make sure the permit is in the contractor's name (not yours) so they're responsible 3. Don't pay the final installment until you've passed inspection 4. Keep copies of permits and inspection reports Need a contractor who handles permits properly? Find licensed professionals at app.worktimealliance.com/pro — every contractor on our platform is verified to be licensed and able to pull permits in their area.