A reader of our newspaper column writes: "I subscribe to the postulate that licensing is for the protection of those licensed -- not the public. My 60-year-old house was built by my grandfather and uncle, no permits and no damn inspectors." Sorry, but we feel that building regulations are there to protect all of us. Permits and contractor licensing don't guarantee anything, but, they do help to ensure that health and safety codes and other important rules are regularly monitored. You know there are materials and services available to you this very day that don't meet modern health and safety standards. Or, when improperly installed can be a real danger. Doing it yourself is OK. But when using a contractor, hire one that is licensed. And always get a permit. And that's the On The House tip for today.