Most homeowners don’t think about permits until they’re well into a renovation or worse, dealing with the aftermath of skipping one. Are permits just another way for cities to collect money, or do they actually protect homeowners? The answer isn’t black and white.

“I Thought I Could Skip a Permit and Here’s What Happened”

A client once decided to move their front door without pulling a permit as no structural changes were involved. He was just shifting it by few inches. But after a few years, when he tried to sell the house, the unpermitted work became a huge obstacle. He was also in a fire zone, and the insurance company gave him a hard time for the coverage for the unpermitted door. He then reached out to us to legalize it, for which he had to pay a fine along with the permit fees.

“Do You Really Need a Permit for That?” Probably More Often Than You Think.

It is a common assumption that permits are only needed for big projects like new construction and additions. But more often than not, a permit may be required for a change as small has replacing a window or adding a door.

This is because there are rules to protect the user from unsafe or incorrect work and a permit ensures the work is compliant with them. It especially protects the homeowners from contractor’s mistakes. Think of it this way – if unpermitted work turns out to be unsafe and someone gets hurt, guess who’s responsible? You. Not the contractor. And to make matters worse, your insurance may not cover damages caused by unpermitted, non-compliant work.

Confused if you need a permit or not? Check out this permit checker tool to find out instantly!

Are Permits Homeowner’s Lifesaver or an Expensive Hassle?

Yes, permits protect you. They ensure your contractor follows building codes, so you’re not left with an unsafe structure. But getting a permit isn’t easy. It is often slow, expensive, unpredictable and full of frustrating red tape. Some homeowners take a gamble and skip it, but is that worth the risk of fines, forced removal or devaluing your property?

Why the Permit Process Is Broken and How to Navigate It

If you’ve tried getting a permit then you know how real the struggle is. While it is gradually improving with some cities providing online applications and digital submissions, but getting the final permit can still take months. Many homeowners don’t know where to start and the city website doesn’t make it easy.

The solution? Plan ahead, and ask as many questions you can early on. Check with the building official to see what are the permits you need. Don’t rely on contractors alone to handle the permits. Their goal is profit and speed while yours if compliance. The smarter move would be to hire an architect/designer before a contractor. Architects have experience dealing with city codes, zoning laws, and permit approvals. They can help you with not making costly mistakes, delays, or rejections, saving you stress and money in the long run.

Download below a quick checklist to help you guide with the permitting process.