Building permits are essential. Here’s everything you need to know about building permit costs to budget accordingly for your building project.
Who Pulls Permits: Homeowner or Contractor?
Obtaining a building permit is easier than you think
Photo: skynesher / Getty Images
Photo: skynesher / Getty Images
Highlights
Your contractor should pull the permit; refusing to do so is a red flag.
The average building permit costs $1,650.
Not obtaining a permit can incur fees and jeopardize your insurance policy.
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Why Wouldn’t a Contractor Want to Pull a Permit?
If your contractor is hesitant to pull a permit, there’s a good chance they’re either unlicensed or have had problems working with the city, both of which are bad signs.
A city inspector will inevitably visit your property to inspect the work, and when they do, they will direct their questions to the person whose name is on the permit. These questions can get pretty technical, so your contractor should be the one to answer them.
Check Their Licensing
The bottom line when hiring a contractor? Do your research and check their:
Contractor licensing
Online reviews and recommendations
If someone gets injured on the job or costly repairs are needed later, a licensed contractor will bear the responsibility. Confirming important documentation can save you a headache down the road.
Paying for Building Permits When Starting a DIY Project
Permitting for DIY projects works a little differently because there’s not a contractor involved. Fortunately, permitting is a simple process. Just keep a few things in mind, like:
Not all projects require a permit; permitting ordinances vary by municipality
If your project needs a permit, you should apply for the permit through your city
Even DIY projects require a site plan to show proposed improvements to your property. A draftsperson or blueprint designer can help you create a detailed site plan.
How Much Do Permits Cost?
Permit costs vary by city. Some cities charge 1% of the total remodel costs, while some charge a flat rate depending on the project.
The national average cost of a building permit is $1,650, but will vary greatly depending on where you live and the type of project.
What If I Don’t Get a Permit?
Skipping the permit can be tempting in places where unpermitted work is commonplace. However, there is a whole slew of consequences that can come from not obtaining a permit, including:
Incurring fees or fines
Having your project shut down
Hosting an unsafe environment for workers
Losing your homeowners insurance coverage
Jeopardizing your ability to sell the home in the future
If your municipality finds out that you’re doing unpermitted work, they’ll require you to get a permit in addition to paying any fees associated with skipping this in the first place. It’s best to spend the money to acquire a building permit during your project planning stage. This way, you can avoid the hassle and keep your project safe: a win-win for everybody.
Why Wouldn’t a Contractor Want to Pull a Permit?
If your contractor is hesitant to pull a permit, there’s a good chance they’re either unlicensed or have had problems working with the city, both of which are bad signs.
A city inspector will inevitably visit your property to inspect the work, and when they do, they will direct their questions to the person whose name is on the permit. These questions can get pretty technical, so your contractor should be the one to answer them.
Check Their Licensing
The bottom line when hiring a contractor? Do your research and check their:
Contractor licensing
Online reviews and recommendations
If someone gets injured on the job or costly repairs are needed later, a licensed contractor will bear the responsibility. Confirming important documentation can save you a headache down the road.
Paying for Building Permits When Starting a DIY Project
Permitting for DIY projects works a little differently because there’s not a contractor involved. Fortunately, permitting is a simple process. Just keep a few things in mind, like:
Not all projects require a permit; permitting ordinances vary by municipality
If your project needs a permit, you should apply for the permit through your city
Even DIY projects require a site plan to show proposed improvements to your property. A draftsperson or blueprint designer can help you create a detailed site plan.
How Much Do Permits Cost?
Permit costs vary by city. Some cities charge 1% of the total remodel costs, while some charge a flat rate depending on the project.
The national average cost of a building permit is $1,650, but will vary greatly depending on where you live and the type of project.
What If I Don’t Get a Permit?
Skipping the permit can be tempting in places where unpermitted work is commonplace. However, there is a whole slew of consequences that can come from not obtaining a permit, including:
Incurring fees or fines
Having your project shut down
Hosting an unsafe environment for workers
Losing your homeowners insurance coverage
Jeopardizing your ability to sell the home in the future
If your municipality finds out that you’re doing unpermitted work, they’ll require you to get a permit in addition to paying any fees associated with skipping this in the first place. It’s best to spend the money to acquire a building permit during your project planning stage. This way, you can avoid the hassle and keep your project safe: a win-win for everybody.
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