It protects the homeowner and the village or city
So if and when you sell your house, it’s up to code. If you do an addition, the only way it counts as additional square footage is if it’s on record with the city.
It gives you a another set of eyes on the project that everything is being built and completed to the appropriate code.
Permits are required for some jobs so that the work that you have done is listed with the jurisdiction in which you reside so that if and when you sell your home all work is listed with the agency and that all work has been passed off as to have been done correctly and have met all codes and compliance. Permits are ultimately there to protect YOU the homeowner!
The short answer is because it might be required depending on the scope of the work. Most cities and municipalities in Florida require a permit for certain work performed in the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and building trades. Some small work might not need permits or require an auto-expiring permit (like siding, windows, etc). One of the posts here said it provides the homeowner with an extra set of eyes to ensure the project gets completed as per code and I agree with that; I just wanted to add that compliance with building code doesn’t imply a quality job. I’ve seen too many jobs where the inspections were passed but the quality was dismal. Inspectors are not on the job to check on quality just on code compliance.
Permits are needed to ensure the homeowner that the work being done is up to code and safe. Homeowners or even business owners for commercial work get the piece of mind knowing that the installation is being inspected by the city or town in compliance with national and local codes.
It helps ensure that you meet minimum building standards for your own safety and for the safety of future property owners and occupants.
With a permit, the work performed on the property can add value to your home.
first you want to make sure that the job done by code and inspected
second it will add value to your property
The purpose behind building codes is to give reasonable assurance that a home is safe from structural failure, fire hazards from electrical and heating systems, electrical shock, and health risks. The permits provide a permanent record of the work performed and inspections conducted on the project.
Not everyone who applies for a permit can get one. Massachusetts requires only a licensed building professional who is insured and registered can apply for and receive a permit. Getting a permit for work is the best way to know you are hiring a qualified contractor and all the inspections are being done by local city or town officials this way you know the work is being done correctly with no shortcuts taken.
Its a way to protect the health and safety of the public. A permit filed for a project means not only is a state licensed professional contractor is going to be doing the work but a inspector in that jurisdiction is going to inspect that work to make sure that it meets all state and local codes. This process ultimately increases the chances of quality work being completed which will protect the individual who is paying for work to have to pay any additional money if the job isn’t done correctly and has to be redone. It also decreases the chance of poorly done work from becoming a health or safety issue for the owner or neighbors where work is being performed.
In Arizona permits aren’t required for all construction items however for larger projects they are a must. Without a permit the city/county cannot be assured of safety to the public and therefore require permits & inspections. Many DIY homeowners skip on permits for items like replacing hot water heaters and we run into these projects all the time and we have to fix their work. Its always best to check with your city about what work you are doing and whether it requires a permit or not. If not then you still should hire a professional. If a permit is required then you should definitely get one not only for safety and security purposes but also if you were to sell the house with unpermitted work there could be liability issues.
You need permit to protect home owner
You’ll need a permit for couple of reasons, First to make sure you comply with all city ordinances, like setbacks, height, etc. Second is to make sure that your project is planned and build to code, mainly for safety and water and fire proofing. but also it helps to put your project on record.