Kitchen Renovations without Permits - Impact on future?

[Christine G.]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum so sorry if i posted in the wrong section.

I ran into an issue, and this is completely my fault, where i started a kitchen remodel without permits. I hired a GC to do the work and asked him to avoid the permits because I wanted to speed things along.

Anyway, I got to thinking that this may now be a bad idea because if i want to rent the place out i dont want to be sued or held liable for any damages that would occur. This is a condo in MA  by the way.

Kitchen remodel has already started and the wall has been torn down and electrical work finished so far. Nothing else has been done. I am wondering can I still get the permits without getting hit with heavy fees? No plumbing work has been done and no cabinets have been put up yet but the design of the kitchen will be different than what was there before (was a Galley Kitchen, now an open floor concept with an island with stove and island range).

Thanks!

-C

[Jim Adrian]

You can still get permits.  Sometimes they city waives the fees.  Its the owners responsibility to get the permits typically.  Take tons of pictures of all the electrical and plumbing, as this can save your butt if you have to rip open the walls.  If the walls are not covered up yet then no damage yet.  Leave them open for a few more days to get the inspections.  Good Luck