Do HVAC companies have to go through this process as well?
But of course! Depends on the state and locals. I recently put an oil fired jobber in and when I called for an inspection the lady says, "You do?" I said, "Why, aren't I supposed to?" She says, "Yes but nobody ever does. We have lots of open permits here that have never been closed out." :rolleyes:
The big deal comes along under two situations that I know of. One, you burn the house down and the insurance company will tell you too bad, no $ for you because you didn't pull a permit. Two, it will fudge up the deal when you try to sell. Bigger question is will the town let a homeowner pull a permit for a furnace replacement? Again, depends on state and local laws.
Think of the inspector as someone who's job it is to keep you from effing things up and cause a dangerous situation. be friendly and polite to them and it will go a looooong way for you. Give them an attitude and that will go a loooong way too, but not in a direction that is favorable to you.
Where are you, what state?