To permit or not to permit!

[Ray Jhala]

Hey Everyone! I purchased my first rental, a duplex, in January of this year.  After the tenants left last month I started the rehab process to bring the units up to speed and increase rents to market rates. 

The scope of work increased greatly after conducting demolition as there was lots and lots of mold causing us to take the first level (the property is a split level) to the studs. 

Due to some incorrectly installed windows/poor grade/foundation cracks the units have taken in some water which has rotted some of the framing(baseplates/studs).  We also found a few pieces of framing from previous termite damage that needs replaced.  

When I purchased the property the scope of work didn't include anything that would require permitting. However now that we have to replace some damaged framing (not a whole lot) I'm fairly certain we will be required to have permits.  Along with this I have now decided to put a pass through window in a load bearing wall to give the space a more open concept feel. 

I'm not entirely sure where to start however I have been warned by some others that the city inspectors tend to look for violations which can greatly increase the scope of work.  

Let me preface this by saying I first and foremost want to provide a clean and SAFE place for my future tenants to call home but I would like to educate myself in how to manage the process to ensure its cost effectiveness.

Thanks to anyone that has some advice for a new investor such as myself.