How illegal is it to remodel the entire inside of a house without getting a building permit?

Question

What are the consequences of not getting one?

Answer 1

It is illegal in almost every jurisdiction.  In particular, if you modify plumbing and/or electrical systems it could be very expensive if you get caught.  

You may be required to remove all walls for these systems to be inspected and typically you will be charged double for all permits and inspections issued in this "after the fact" manner.  

If there is water or fire damage resulting from uninspected work, your insurance company could legally refuse to pay out.

Finally, in the unlikely event of an electrical fire you could be charged with negligence, all the way up to negligent homicide if a wiring mistake you made on uninspected work results in the death of someone in the home.  

Just some things to consider.

Also, I would suggest you'd better be on really good terms with your neighbors (or tenants).  If anyone has an axe to grind against you, this has always been a great legal way to get even with a disliked neighbor or landlord.  And you might want to be really, really quiet and not work too late into the evening. Being noisy will get you ratted out, too.

Now, if you're still going to try it, I would suggest photo-documenting everything you do that will not be visible when you are done.  It could save you from having to open up the walls for the inspectors later - although they still could make you do that just to punish you.

Answer 2

terminology problem here. building codes are not laws, violation cannot be 'illegal'. liability for not building to code is another matter, if it can be proved in court. permits are what $50-$100 per trade? not worth the gamble, and certainly not worth the quality.

Answer 3

check with the building & codes offices in your city/county.

Answer 4

I assume you're doing all the work yourself.  It would be impossible to find a reputable builder to do this remodel without a permit.  It could cost him his license.  You will be held liable for anything that you build.  You really don't want to do that, it's not worth the aggravation down the road.