Finishing basement with permit vs without Permit - Montgomery county maryland

[Jordan Josh]

Hello ,

  I am new home owner inherited unfinished basement from previous seller. there is some work done but without county permission. I would like to know your opinion is it worth taking trouble in getting permit with county and redo work. or Just license contractor is good enough to redo basement. Please Guide me what can be pros vs Cons for this situation. 

I talked to license contractors and some of them are advising to go without permit as any wayd below grade area isnt counted towards living space. 

Please share your views. 

Thank you 

Jordan