Absolutely! All Class A firms are required to uphold
the Permitting and Inspection process. Permitting makes
sure that your project is being built to Local and National
Building Codes (BOCA). City and county inspections
could be viewed as an insurance policy. Inspections
of the work performed insure that the project is being built
for your safety.
Run from contractors who imply that you do not need a permit.
Some of the excuses they give are: “The project
is too small for a permit. Permits cost too much money
or slow the completion of the project down. All time favorite,
I’m to busy to pull the permit, could you do it for
me.” This could be a huge indication that the contractor
is not able to pull permits, or worse, taking your deposit
and never returning back to the job.
When you are caught 'Boot Legging' the project, you subject
your home to be flagged by Local or State Code Enforcement.
All work will be stopped immediately, and if you needed
architectural drawings to acquire permits, and you don't
have them, your project could be put on hold for months.
Not to mention all work will have to be re-done at your
expense. You will pay double permit fees and possibly
a hefty code enforcement fine.
In short: It's not worth the trouble of looking over
your shoulder. And the truth of the matter is the
Permitting Office is on your Team to ensure a properly built,
energy efficient, and safe home or structure!
