Totally agree — permits seem annoying at first, but they save a lot of headaches later with inspections, insurance, and resale. I learned that the hard way on a small kitchen update here in Burlington, North Carolina when missing paperwork delayed everything.
Having someone who actually understands the local permit process (like this nc remodeling contractor) makes a big difference, especially when codes vary by city. Better to slow down upfront than fix problems after the walls are already open.