Had a close call with liability on an exterior paint job, permits worth it?

Man, just wrapped up a big exterior repaint on a two-story colonial, using Sherwin-Williams Duration for that durability, but the homeowner didn't want to pull a permit since it's just a refresh. I'm in the greater Atlanta area where inspectors can be real sticklers, and now I'm sweating if something goes wrong down the line with the old lead paint we had to encapsulate. Seen too many guys get hit with fines or worse because they skipped the paperwork. Anyone else dealing with this crap? Feels like you're damned if you do, damned if you don't on these jobs. TBH, after chatting with a buddy in the Painting Contractors Facebook group, I'm thinking twice about pushing for permits more often.

Always pull the permit for exterior work, it covers your ass legally and gives you proof you followed code on things like scaffolding height.

Screw the homeowners who cheap out on permits, they come crying when the city slaps them with violations and blame you for it.

SharkBite fittings for plumbing are one thing, but skipping permits on paint jobs? That's just asking for a lawsuit, fight me on that.

Insurance companies hate when you skip permits too, jacks up your premiums next renewal.

Don't skimp, I saw a painter get sued for $50k after a ladder fail on an unpermitted job, no coverage.

Felt this hard, lost a whole week stressing over a similar exterior gig last summer.

In my book, permits are optional for low-risk paint jobs, saves time and clients love the lower bid.

Just dealt with a BS claim from a water stain that wasn't even our fault after a rushed interior job, pissed me off big time.

Same boat here, brother, the liability BS is killing the small guy these days.