Permit Pitfalls: Why Skipping Renovation Permits Costs More

When faced with two renovation quotes, the decision can feel like a tug-of-war. Company A’s quote clearly lists an ‘Interior Renovation Permit Application Fee’ of $80,000, making the total price steep. Meanwhile, Company B’s contractor confidently assures you, ‘We can skip that! We’ve done many projects like this. Just keep a low profile, and if anyone complains, we’ll deal with it then.’ Under the immense pressure of buying a home and renovating, that seemingly saved $80,000 appears as a tempting windfall, perhaps for a better sofa or a larger TV.However, this is often the beginning of a nightmare. Midway through construction, a neighbor’s complaint brings building code officials to your door. The ‘Stop Work’ order isn’t just posted on your…