Permits on a live in flip?

[Mason Keeler]

Im doing a live in flip in Clark county, Vancouver Wa. I've worked on houses most of my life. I have a contractor and a realtor that I consult with. My contractor says it's my house so I can do whatever I want to it and get away without pulling permits and I'll have no problem selling it as long as everything's to code. My realtor on the other hand tells me I need to get the permits. This house is personally owned by me and not in an llc. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Especially if you've had personal experience.

[Christopher Phillips]

@Mason Keeler

Buildings departments will tell you that you need permits for any work done on a house. Where they give owners some wiggle room is when you're only replacing previously existing items - an example would be replacing an existing sink. But if you're moving the sink then you need a permit since the plumbing would have to be changed.

Every area has some slightly different rules on what owners can do without a permit, so you should check with the local buildings department. Most these days have websites to check up on these types of things.