Doing demo with or without permits

[Danielle Scott]

I'm in the process of buying a fixer upper and I know demo will be a huge process. I've talked to a few investors who are demoing houses that say they don't always get permits. They said depending on the part of the city and whether its monitored by city permit people depends on if they'll get the permit. Obviously they're taking the chance here and hoping they won't get caught. What happens if you do get caught? This seems like if you get caught you're screwed and will have to pay a bunch of fines.  How could they get the dumpster and not be found out since the dumpster is a dead giveaway theres reno going on inside that needs a permit? Hide the dumpster and hope no nosy neighbors spot it? They also said they try to hide the work going on as much as possible and avoid permits when they can as the city is strict on who can perform the work, as they have to be licensed and insured. I'm thinking the crews they use are not. Wouldn't this cause problems down the road when you go to sell the house and it looks completely different than previously or would nobody know?