I'm looking to build a deck about 4 feet off the ground off my house, and I've noticed that some contractors I spoke with didn't mention permits or inspections in their quotes. When I asked about it, they said they could do it if I wanted but otherwise wouldn't include them. I'm trying to figure out if this is a big red flag or if this is common practice in the industry. I thought permits were necessary for this kind of work, especially since all the liability might rest on me as the homeowner. One contractor assured me he builds everything to code, but I'm not sure I can trust that. Is this a gray area that people navigate without issues, or should I be concerned? Thanks for your insights!
3 Answers
In my experience, it's a red flag if a contractor isn't upfront about permits. A reliable contractor should be willing to handle that paperwork. Besides, local codes exist for good reasons, and skipping inspections can lead to major headaches, especially when it comes time to sell your home. I once bypassed permits for a renovation, and later it cost me a lot when I sold. Just make sure any contract includes that they’ll manage permits and inspections for you—that’s what good contractors do!
Yeah, I think you should definitely be cautious if they're willing to skip permits. It seems like they might be trying to appeal to homeowners who want to cut costs or avoid the hassle, which isn't a good sign. Permits exist to ensure safety and compliance, and if any issues arise later, you're the one who bears the consequences. It's good to talk to the building department about your plans, as they'll likely help clarify what you need and can guide you to ensure compliance before you even hire someone. Better to be safe than sorry!
Definitely a concern! Although some contractors see permits as a hassle, they’re there to protect you and ensure everything is built safely and to code. Even if they say they build to code, you really can’t verify that without the inspections. If something goes wrong, it's the homeowner who pays the price, not the contractor. My advice is to stick to those who are proactive about securing permits—that’s a sign they take their work seriously.
Makes sense. If issues come up, it might mean tearing everything down. Better safe than sorry!
Exactly! If you skip the permits and then a neighbor reports it, you're really in trouble. A good contractor will always help you navigate through permits.