Why Pulling a Permit for Your Remodel Is More Important Than You Think

Remodeling your home can be an exciting venture—whether it’s updating your kitchen, adding a new bathroom, or finishing a basement. Amid choosing paint colors, fixtures, and materials, it’s easy to overlook one crucial step: pulling the proper permits.

Skipping permits might seem like a shortcut to save time and money, but it can lead to serious problems down the line. Here’s why pulling a permit is not just a formality, but a key part of a successful and safe remodel.

1. Permits Protect Your Safety

Building codes exist for a reason: to ensure structures are safe and sound. When you pull a permit, your remodel is subject to inspection by a certified building official. These inspections catch potentially dangerous issues—like faulty wiring, improper plumbing, or inadequate structural support—before they become hazards. Permits aren't just red tape; they’re a safety net for you, your family, and future occupants of your home.

2. It’s the Law

Each city or municipality has specific regulations around what type of work requires a permit. In most areas, major remodeling projects (especially those involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes) legally require one. Working without a permit can result in fines, forced removal of work, or having to redo a completed project entirely. Ignoring the law might save you a little time now, but it can cost you big later.

3. Unpermitted Work Can Affect Home Value

If you plan to sell your home in the future, unpermitted work can derail the process. Home inspections, title checks, and appraisals often reveal whether work was done to code and with permits. Unpermitted remodeling can scare off buyers, reduce your asking price, or even cause the deal to fall through. In contrast, permitted work reassures buyers that the home was improved properly.

4. Insurance Issues

In the unfortunate event of a fire, flood, or accident tied to a remodel, unpermitted work can become a liability. Many insurance companies won’t cover damages caused by work that wasn’t permitted or inspected. You may end up paying out-of-pocket for something that otherwise would’ve been covered—simply because you skipped a permit.

5. Permits Hold Contractors Accountable

If you’re hiring a contractor, a permit helps ensure they’re doing the job right. Permitted work must meet code and pass inspections, reducing the chances of shortcuts or sloppy craftsmanship. A contractor who resists getting a permit may not be operating with your best interests in mind. In fact, it’s often a red flag.

6. Permits Provide Peace of Mind

Remodeling is an investment—of time, money, and energy. Permits add a layer of oversight and documentation that can give you peace of mind. Knowing that your project was done legally, safely, and up to code means one less thing to worry about as you enjoy your newly improved space.

The Bottom Line

Pulling a permit might feel like a hassle, but it’s a smart, responsible step in any remodeling project. It protects you legally, financially, and physically. Whether you’re DIY-ing or hiring a pro, check with your local building department about what permits are required—and don’t skip them. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.