The Hidden Dangers of Building Without Permits
Building without permits can lead to fines, demolition, denied insurance claims, and resale issues. Learn the real risks before you build.
Scott Egbert, owner of SAE Builders
2/20/20261 min read
The most expensive projects I’ve seen didn’t start out that way. They started as shortcuts.
A homeowner hires someone to build a patio cover, room addition, or structural upgrade “without the hassle of permits.” It goes up quickly. It looks fine. Everyone’s happy—until the city notices.
Today, building departments use satellite imagery, drone inspections, and digital record comparisons. Unpermitted structures are easier to detect than ever. When one is discovered, the consequences are immediate: stop-work orders, double permit fees, fines, and in many cases, mandatory demolition.
The financial impact goes beyond city penalties. Insurance carriers can deny claims involving unpermitted work. If there’s structural failure, fire, or water damage tied to that structure, you may be personally responsible. When it’s time to sell, California law requires disclosure. Buyers walk away, escrow gets delayed, or the price drops to account for required corrections.
The structural risk is even more serious. Work done without permits often skips engineering review, proper footings, wind load calculations, attachment details, or inspection checkpoints. I’ve seen patio covers underbuilt for our 90 mph wind exposure requirements. I’ve seen improperly attached ledger boards pulling away from framing. Once caught, some of these structures can’t simply be “fixed.” They have to be removed and rebuilt correctly.
Permits are not a formality. They are a safety system. They ensure proper design, engineering, inspections, and compliance with current code. When done correctly, permitted construction protects your home’s value, your safety, and your long-term investment.
The takeaway is simple: if someone suggests skipping permits to save money, understand what you’re really risking. Shortcuts don’t reduce cost. They delay it—and usually multiply it.
Before you build, make sure it’s done right.
Contact SAE Builders to ensure your project is properly permitted, structurally sound, and built to last."