Skipping Permits for Home Renovations Can Backfire

Homeowners may face fines, required fixes, and trouble selling if they don't get proper permits for major projects.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:31pm

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Homeowners often skip getting permits for home renovations to save time and money, but this can lead to major problems down the line. Real estate expert Tammi Brooks warns that unpermitted work may not meet current building codes, can scare off potential buyers, and could even result in homeowners' insurance denying coverage if something goes wrong. While minor cosmetic updates often don't require permits, anything involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes usually does.

Why it matters

Permits ensure renovations meet safety standards and building codes, protecting homeowners and future buyers. Skipping permits can lead to fines, required fixes, and other headaches that end up costing more in the long run.

The details

Brooks has seen many cases of homeowners facing issues from unpermitted work, like a prefab sunroom that had to be detached and rebuilt because it wasn't properly attached to the house. Inspectors may order homeowners to tear out and redo work if it doesn't meet code. Failing to disclose unpermitted renovations can also scare off potential buyers or impact the home's sale price.

  • Brooks has worked with homeowners in North Carolina's Triangle region since 2006.

The players

Tammi Brooks

A real estate expert who has worked with homeowners in North Carolina's Triangle region since 2006.

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What they’re saying

“The codes have improved so much. All of us prior to 1980 did not have grounded outlets in our bathrooms. But you need to put a grounded outlet in a bathroom now.”

— Tammi Brooks, Real estate expert

“Honestly, it was a pretty great lesson on why it's important to permit things like that. For the seller, that was pretty awful.”

— Tammi Brooks, Real estate expert

What’s next

Homeowners should always check with their local permit office to understand the requirements for their specific renovation project.

The takeaway

Skipping permits for home renovations, even on smaller projects, can lead to major headaches down the line. Permits ensure work meets safety standards and protect homeowners from liability, so it's worth the extra time and cost to get them upfront.