Response from Commonwealth Contracting LLC
First of all I'd like to extend my sincere apologies to this homeowner. I hate to think that anyone walked away from an interaction with me, or anyone representing my company feeling that we were unprofessional. This customer had me to their home to give them an estimate on converting some attic space into living space. The project didn't involve any structural work (only adding a couple partition walls), any plumbing, any major electrical work (a few lights and outlets), or any major HVAC work (tying a couple of vents into the existing duct work). When I gave them a ballpark estimate for the project, they stated that it was a little higher than their budget. So, in an effort to reduce the cost of the project, I threw out the idea of not pulling a building permit for the project; which, between the required drawings, permit fees, and my time to put everything together would've saved them roughly $1,000.00. I told them that considering the scope of the work and that the project would be indoors, that I thought we'd be able to complete it without any interference from the town. They told me that they weren't in favor of that idea and I told them that I'd be happy to pull a permit and that I was only throwing the idea out as an option. I realize that not pulling a permit for the project would've technically violated local code enforcement requirements, but the only person that would've been at risk of a reprimand, or a small fine from the town, would've been me. I never had any intention of putting the homeowners or their home at any type of risk, or doing any substandard work. Even without a permit the work would've been done at or above code requirements and the homeowners would've had a licensed, bonded, and insured home builder to fall back on if any issues would've arisen. I am truly sorry to have offended this homeowner with my suggestion, but I was only trying to give them all of the options available to get their project completed within their allotted budget.