Having been in and around the home improvement industry for over forty-five years, I've become quite well educated. Home improvement contractors are a dime a dozen with most touting the various reasons why they provide the best service, quality and value for you – the homeowner. In this industry it's very easy to get taken in by seemingly professional, well-intended, honest contractors who just want to "help you create your dream home". Very often, the reputable, fair, and trustworthy companies get outbid by "low ball" contractors, who use inferior quality in their products, cut corners to save a dime, who do work illegally, including, but certainly not limited to, neglecting to obtain proper permits for your project.

Permits administer and control construction. They are designed and meant to protect inhabitants of buildings and homes.

The first thing one might say is “are these permits really necessary?” You bet they are! One of the first shortcuts that dubious contractors will do is neglect to get the necessary permits. I view it more as self-preservation on their part, but NOT obtaining permits is something that can often cost ill-informed homeowners thousands of dollars, endanger their lives, and result in lost value in their investment.

Now that I’ve scared some of you to death, let me explain a few of the reasons why permits are necessary and so important:

• Getting the proper permit means that a construction official will inspect your job once it is complete. It might be plumbing, electrical, fire, building or structural construction, but it’s a third party, government or city official, providing you the confidence that your job is done right.
• Inspections will reveal any problems that exist in your job
• Your safety and welfare is at stake and permits and inspections protect you, your family, and even homeowners who may own your home in the future. You are physically and legally protecting yourself.
• Getting your permits and inspections, confirms that you are meeting proper building and construction codes. Your home is a valuable asset and if proper building and construction codes are not met, the value of your home could be impacted negatively
• Wise homeowners insure their property. Not to mention that mortgage companies require it. Many financial companies will require proof of final inspection before they finance a property. And, regarding protection of your property, insurance companies are not going to insure property that does not meet proper building and construction codes. Simply put, you’ll be required to disclose that proper permits have been attained.
• If you have a contractor, or even yourself, renovate your home without necessary permits, it could cost you thousands of dollars. You may be forced to remove or tear-out your project. You might potentially be fined hundreds to thousands of dollars – depending on the scope of your project
• So, what am I saying? Do your homework! Sure, it might cost you 15% more, and it might take a bit more time to have that new dream kitchen or home addition, but it's well worth it. And, if "your instinct" has questions on a contractor's honesty on this issue … my advice … run! Do your homework and call your local town or city's building code office and find out if you need permits. If your "potential" contractor does Not confirm that you need them.. my advice … run! Last, but not least, be smart in your choice of your contractor. Ask to see verification that they have proper insurance and are licensed contractors. Don't be "penny wise and pound foolish" when it comes to permits. Demand them!