If an HVAC company pulls a permit to install a new HVAC system in DC, what was the inspection like? We have some unpermitted work that I worry would be spotted if we had them come by.

My FIL. He’s on his second major DIY kitchen renovation in his Fairfax County home. Permits? What permits?

He’s moved walls, appliances, added and removed islands, replaced all windows, upgraded the electrical panel to name just a few fairly recently projects.

Why? He is fiercely independent and distrusts most professionals and is cheap.

I did work that required a permit. My guy had me file if I wanted it done. He was licensed.

Honestly I see why my contractor did not want to do it. I wasted a few hours with permit people. I had to draw up plans. My wife did it using our plat. Then back again 1/2 a day and few hundred in fees. Then inspector comes and he picks off stupid minor things. Of course I have to do it myself. Took me two days and back again sign off.

Total waste of time and money. I mean I wanted it done right but it ate up a week of my time and cost me $450.

It isn't hard to get a permit. It take a few weeks, but for a licensed contractor and the trades, it isn't difficult -- and if it is too difficult for them, you should use someone else.

We did lots of unpermitted work to our house. Permits are a huge pain and we trust our contractors- they’ve worked for us regularly for years. Also we have no plans to sell anytime soon

Sooo many people have interior work done without permits. Additions are honestly the bigger deal when it comes to permits.

I suspect most work in dc is done without permits.

We filed our own permits for the basement as we couldn't find a contractor willing. It was bizarre as it was cheap and easy. We pull permits for major things like the basement, plumbing, electrical, HVAC but not for cosmetic, like the kitchen remodel.

I imagine that from the outside it’s going to look the same as work that doesn’t require a permit. Just be sure to lie to your neighbors unless you really trust them not to tell on you.

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Renovated two bathrooms, and our entire kitchen. Down to the studs - almost. Didn't move plumbing but did add electrical. We hired licensed contractors and other licensed trades people.

Same, except we did move plumbing and the HVAC. All in DC. Permitting was such a nightmare for the first project we did that we just gave up. It’s way more common than people fess up to.

Yes. Renovated two bathrooms, and our entire kitchen. Down to the studs - almost. Didn't move plumbing but did add electrical. We hired licensed contractors and other licensed trades people.

We did. We have a contractor that is doing great work and we trust. Getting a permit was a problem so we went without. We redid two bathrooms and the kitchen (all appliances and plumbing stayed in the same place). We also added a bonus room in the basement. The permit process seemed complicated, time consuming and expensive. We also wanted to use the contractor we know and trust.

Anonymous wrote:Depends on the scope of the project. Some contractors deter from permits because they need to be licensed.
Is this a pull and replace? If work is large consider having a contractor pull at least electrical and plumbing. You don't want an inspector investigator knocking at the door. Ready to hand you fines

I'm in MD. Is it common for inspectors to go around investigating? Or would they only do so if a neighbor has reported you? FWIW, this is for a bathroom reno. I've used the guy before and he's good, work is above and beyond code, he guarantees the work, and has been around for a while, seems to have lots of happy customers, many who have not pulled permits (which surprises me considering that on this group, everyone is so adamant about pulling permits). The previous work did not need permits bc plumbing and electrical was unchanged. However, the bathroom reno I want done now would require moving the location of tub, toilet, and sink, and probably replacing old pipes. Work that I'm positive requires a permit. But he's really being difficult about pulling permits and will likely add a high premium. On one hand, I know his work and I trust him (which I can't say for many of the contractors I've gotten quotes/bids from). On the other hand, I really want the work to be permitted because I'm a by the book person.

Depends on the scope of the project. Some contractors deter from permits because they need to be licensed.
Is this a pull and replace? If work is large consider having a contractor pull at least electrical and plumbing. You don't want an inspector investigator knocking at the door. Ready to hand you fines

Have you had work done on your house that was unpermitted? If yes, where in the house and why?