The Consequences of not pulling Permits

[Jon H.]

Hello,
I had a quick question. I live in Birmingham Al. I was wondering if anyone from this area can tell me the consequences of not pulling permits for items like roofing, electrical, plumbing etc. I just bought a house built in 1945. I've put a new 30 year roof on it and am about to have the plumbing replaced with PEX. I also am getting Bids on the Electrical and Hvac. I'm going to keep it as a rental but eventually want to refinance the equity out of the house and buy more rentals. So far the only thing i've hired done is the roof. I'm in the process now of residing the house myself. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[Bill S.]

I have been told that is there is an insurance claim and you did not get a permit they can not pay for the improvements you did. I don't have any first hand knowledge of this. Here the City can lien the property for code violation (not getting a permit). To get the permit after you have been busted can mean you have to open up the walls.

Here if you live in the unit you can pull your own permit after you take a "home owner" test. It's very easy. Usually it's really only about the permit fees but some inspectors don't feel they are doing their job unless they find fault. I know some contractor's that leave an easy obvious item for them to catch.

Why not pull the permit yourself?