I like to do my own home improvements around the house and I'm not going to use a contractor, so why do I need a Construction Permit?

Work without a permit is illegal and can pose serious complications for you when you sell your house.  Penalties for failure to obtain a permit prior to construction are up to $2,000 for each offense [N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.31 (e)].    Work done by the homeowner requiring a permit must be inspected to ensure the work has been done according to code. There are also legal and financial liabilities if you don't obtain a permit. Any fire and homeowner's insurance you have will be invalidated if you do work without a permit.  If there is a fire in your house, the insurance company may use the illegal work as an excuse not to pay on your claim.