To permit or not to permit ??

[John Berg]

This can be very expensive and time-consuming decision. I've been flipping homes in Dallas for a 6 years. I continually struggle as to whether to get permits or not. When I do it usually costs me two to three weeks and thousands of dollars (i.e. Inspectors arbitrarily telling you to rewire the house). On the other hand you must disclose whether you got permits or not when you sell. I have listened to all the BP Podcasts and I'm surprised this is not more of a topic for flippers... To permit or not to permit?

[Robert Steele]

Skipping the permit is no big deal. It's not like they are going to throw the book at you. However, lieing on the sellers disclosure is pretty serious and can get your *** handed to you in a law suit.

If the buyer gets all antsy about it you can go confess to the City and pay for the permit then and a small fine (usually double the permit fee I believe). It will be a hell of a lot cheaper than letting them stick their noses in while doing the job.