DO I REALLY NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?

Here is a pretty simple rule:  If you are touching any electrical, then you need a permit.  About the only thing that doesn’t require a permit is upgrading something cosmetic:  painting a wall, refinishing existing hardwood floors, upgrading an appliance.  You may choose not to get a permit but the consequences fall on the home owner and not the contractor. If you are caught without a permit you may be fined on top of required permit fees. If you do not get caught and you decide to sell your property, you will not have proof that the upgrades to the property have been done to code. This may result in a lower resale value.