Homeowners SHOULD NOT pull building permits unless they are actually acting as their own general contractor.
In many states, a contractor must have the appropriate license to pull a permit but there are exceptions that allow owners to pull their own permits. If a homeowner pulls their own permit, if the inspection reveals something does not meet code, the homeowner bears the responsibility for the changes to meet code. If the contractor pulls the permit, the contractor is responsible. Good contractors know the code and can work with inspectors. Unless you know what you are doing, the contractor should pull the permit. If the contractor asks the homeowner to pull the permit that may be a red flag that the contractor does not have the required license to do the work.
While you may "save" a few dollars by not pulling a permit, you risk finding out that the work does not meet code, you will be asked at resale if there was unpermitted work on the home, and you may bring down the value of your home. Your "savings" may be very costly in the long run.
I'd love to hear from others on their response to consumers who want to avoid permits or who indicate that they have other bids that dont include pulling permits.
Some counties have tried to take a short cut and say you must at a minimum have a Residential Basic license to pull permits or a Chap 14 license (plumber, low volage, electrician, etc). That however is not a correct interpretation of Chap 43 and I have successfully addressed this for a ...»
Let me add at the confusion in GA, specialty contractors can perform under their contracts if they meet the 3 part test the greater of $10,000 or 25% of what would otherwise be licensed work. I am currently working with the board to try to get some policies in place to help contractors and consumers understand this.
Clear as mud for most consumers and contractors.
Pulling the permit is not the only part. I often have calls from owners who indicate a permit is pulled but none of the required inspections were obtained and a final inspection was not done. ...»
I forgot to add one other warning to homeowners: failing to pull a required permit may also have consequences on any claims you may make later on your homeowner's insurance, one of the most serious being denial of a claim.