Occasionally we get this question from homeowners:
“I don’t want to deal with remodeling permits. Will you still work with me?”
We completely understand where this is coming from. Remodeling permits can feel like a hassle. They take time, cost money, and often involve paperwork and inspections that many people would rather not deal with. As a homeowner, it’s natural to wonder if skipping permits could make your project easier.
Here’s our honest answer: if a permit is required for your project, we will not do the work unless a permit is pulled.
When a Remodeling Permit Isn’t Needed
Not every project requires a permit. For example, painting, swapping out some flooring, or replacing light fixtures typically won’t trigger one. If your remodel falls into that category, then great, we’ll move forward without any extra paperwork.
But if the scope of work requires a permit under Florida building codes (like most electrical, plumbing, structural, or major remodeling projects), then a permit absolutely must be pulled. In those cases, we cannot take on the job without it.
Why Pulling a Permit Protects You
Pulling a permit might sound like a headache, but in reality, it protects you as a homeowner. Here’s why:
- Work is done to code. A remodeling permit ensures your remodel is reviewed against Florida’s building standards, which are designed to keep your home safe and durable.
- Safety first. Whether it’s electrical, plumbing, or structural work, permits help guarantee the job is done correctly so your family isn’t at risk.
- Protects your home value. Unpermitted work can cause major issues if you ever try to refinance, sell, or get an inspection. Buyers and appraisers look for permitted work, and unpermitted projects can lower your home’s value.
- Avoids costly mistakes. Skipping permits can lead to fines, stop-work orders, or being forced to tear out the work you just paid for.
In other words, the remodeling permit is your safety net.
What It Means for Us as a Licensed Contractor
As a licensed contractor (Sherman General Contracting, license #CBC1269492), we are required by law to follow permitting rules. If we did unpermitted work, we could:
- Face fines or penalties
- Lose our license
- Put our insurance coverage at risk
That’s why we simply won’t cut corners. Our reputation, our license, and your home are too important.
Red Flags to Watch For
If you’re talking to contractors and hear any of the following, it should raise an eyebrow:
- “You don’t need a permit for this,” when it’s obvious that you do.
- “You should just pull the permit yourself.” This is often a sign the person isn’t licensed to do the work.
- “We’ll do it under the radar.” This puts all the risk on you as the homeowner.
A responsible contractor should never push you to skip the legal requirements. In fact, we encourage every homeowner to check licenses before hiring. You can verify any Florida contractor’s license here:
Florida License Verification Tool
How We Help with Remodeling Permits
The good news is—you don’t have to deal with permits alone. At Sherman General Contracting, we take care of the process for you:
- Preparing plans and drawings
- Working with engineers when required
- Submitting the paperwork
- Coordinating with the city or county for inspections
We know the system, and we know the local building departments in the Tampa Bay area. Handling permits is just part of our service, so you can focus on the fun part: watching your remodel take shape.
The Bottom Line
If your project doesn’t need a remodeling permit, we’ll happily move forward without one. But if it does, then pulling a permit isn’t optional—it’s the law.
We understand permits can feel inconvenient, but in reality, they protect your home, your investment, and your family’s safety. Skipping them is never worth the risk.
So, to answer the original question: No, we will not work on a project that requires a permit unless the permit is pulled.
When you choose Sherman General Contracting, you can feel confident that everything is done legally, safely, and up to code. That’s exactly the way it should be.
Ready to start your Tampa Bay remodel? Schedule a discovery call with Sherman General Contracting, and we’ll help you navigate permits and approvals for a smooth project from start to finish.