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Posted on August 22, 2018 by

Why You Should Avoid Remodeling Without a Permit

Warning sign with bold black text on a distressed yellow background, emphasizing the importance of safety and legal compliance in plumbing and heating remodeling projects.
Plumbing permits aren’t just for professionals. Generally speaking, any remodeling project that will get into the plumbing of a home will need a permit from the city. While it’s possible to forget about or entirely forego this step, it could be more necessary than you realize.

You might be wondering if we’re here from the city in a sneaky attempt to get you to comply, but it’s just the opposite.
Not obtaining a plumbing permit for a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project could have serious consequences.

At Force Plumbing and Heating, your happiness and safety is our utmost concern. Keep reading for more information on why you should always have a plumbing permit for remodeling projects!

Licensed Experts Never Recommend It

Yellow emoticon with a skeptical expression and raised finger, symbolizing caution and the importance of obtaining plumbing permits for remodeling projects.As professional plumbers, we could easily turn a blind eye to someone not having a permit. We’d never encourage it, though.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for everyone.

Unlicensed plumbers, contractors, and conmen may push for you to skip having a permit. This allows them to do the bare minimum needed, not be up to code, and possibly cost you a ton of money in the future.

It is entirely possible that an unlicensed plumber could remodel your kitchen or bathroom and leave town before anything breaks. This will leave you with a huge mess to clean up and the chance that your homeowner’s insurance won’t pay for it due to not having a permit.

The Dangers of City Fines

Hand pointing at a glowing key labeled "PENALTY," symbolizing the importance of obtaining plumbing permits to avoid fines during home remodeling.If the whole point of skipping the plumbing permit is to save some money, wouldn’t it be pretty silly if you ended up getting fined anyway?

In the event that the city finds out you’re remodeling without a permit, an inspector can issue a stop work order. To get this order lifted, you’ll probably have to pay a fine in addition to paying for the original plumbing permit.

That’s not the worst of it though--an inspector can choose to have all additions requiring a permit removed. Usually, this means a demolition permit, removing all changes made, filing for the plumbing permit, and only then can you start over.
Again, there is potential to get away with not having a permit.

But fast forward to selling your home:

You may be required to disclose any work done without a permit. The potential buyer may want the home or work inspected. There is a high chance you’ll fail that inspection and have to allot money to demolition, alterations, or get it up to code yourself. Or you could lose the buyer entirely.

Why Add Safety Concerns to Your Home’s Plumbing?

Blue keyboard key labeled "Safety First," emphasizing the importance of safety in plumbing and heating remodeling projects.Most importantly, a shoddy remodeling job could be bad for your health. When pipes leak, mold can form in less than obvious places.

You, your spouse, and your children could be sick for months on end before realizing the cause is mold or mildew. Developing asthma, chronic respiratory infections, and other breathing problems aren’t unheard of in the presence of mold.

On top of the illness mildew and mold can cause, you’ll also have to pay to have it removed by a mold remediation specialist.

Make the Right Call

Making the right call doesn’t just include choosing to obtain a plumbing permit. It involves choosing the best plumber for the job.

Force Plumbing & Heating, LLC offers 100% satisfaction, on-time arrivals, and even a 7.5% tax break when using our services! When you’re ready for a new kitchen or updated bathroom, give us a call!