"John Willis" wrote in message

...were told we didn't need any permits. So we gutted the home
down to the studs in the walls...


Yes "needing a permit or not" varies in different parts of the country. I
think in some remote areas, there is no building inspection whatsoever.

But it is good to still good do things to code if possible. Building codes
are based on accidents which have happened in the past, and are designed to
protect life and property. And that is *your* life and property they are
designed to protect BTW...