Permits - Yes or No?

[Jabraan Kadeer]

Hello everyone, 

In the process of flipping my first home and had a question regarding permits. I’m planning on adding a window to the front of the house, closing a kitchen door that leads outside and making that area to a pantry, and cutting a square in the wall that separates the family room and kitchen. I spoke to the town building department very briefly and they said I need architectural drawings and permits for all three, but I’ve heard horror stories about inspectors and inspections. I plan on putting in recess lighting, which I will put a permit in for. My question is, how will the town know if I’ve put in permits for the 3 things mentioned above? Can I claim ignorance? Say those things we’re done when I bought the house? How will the inspector know that the wall was opened up or not? Any advice, guidance and tips would be helpful - thanks! 

-Jabraan