Couple’s $90K Remodel Turns into a Permitless Nightmare—Contractor Still Holds House Key

A couple’s dream of transforming their second home into a cozy retreat quickly spiraled into a nightmare when their $90,000 remodel was left unfinished, unpermitted, and riddled with dangerous flaws—and the contractor they trusted still holds the key to their house.

This was their first remodeling experience. Eager to breathe new life into their home, they hired a contractor who came highly recommended. He claimed to be licensed, bonded, and insured, and even listed permit fees in the original quote. The couple believed they were in safe hands.

However, the situation began to unravel early on. The contractor, in a casual and confident tone, told them they didn’t need permits. “He said he had friends in the system and knew inspectors,” the homeowner recalled. “He made it sound like permits were just an optional hassle.”

Trusting his expertise, they moved forward. The project was massive: HVAC rerouting, removal of a load-bearing wall, new plumbing and electrical work, bathroom overhauls, flooring installation, and more. A full gut and renovation.

In total, they paid $30,000 out-of-pocket, $31,000 from their construction loan, and another $30,000 on credit cards for materials the contractor requested. A final draw of $34,000 remains with the bank, pending inspection—which may now be impossible.

After growing suspicious, they reached out to the city and were shocked to discover that not a single permit had been pulled. “Not for the electrical, plumbing, structural—nothing,” they said. “We were stunned.”

Even worse, the quality of the work has raised serious safety and usability concerns:

• A leaking toilet,

• A walk-in shower that floods the bathroom in minutes,

• A standalone tub faucet so poorly installed it sprays water onto the floor,

• And a disturbing raw sewage odor every time water runs in the home.

The couple hasn’t even moved in. The home has remained vacant, yet the damage is already extensive.

Efforts to resolve the matter amicably have failed. The contractor has been unresponsive and at times hostile via email. Disturbingly, he still has possession of their house key, despite repeated requests for its return. They also found empty beer cans left by his crew and discovered that two solid wood desks were discarded without their consent.

Despite having documentation—photos, videos, receipts, and even texts where the contractor admitted to working without permits—the couple has struggled to find legal representation. Most attorneys won’t take the case, and others haven’t responded at all.

“This has been financially and mentally abusive,” one of them shared. “We were taken advantage of because we didn’t know how these things work. Now we’re left with a half-finished, possibly unsafe house and no clear path forward.”

They now fear possible retaliation, such as a lien, if they file a complaint. And when it comes time to sell, the unpermitted work could haunt the transaction.

The couple’s story is a harsh warning to anyone starting a remodel: always verify permits and documentation yourself, no matter how trustworthy a contractor may seem.

They hope that by sharing their experience, others can avoid the heartbreak and financial ruin they now face.