Who pulls permits? Homeowner or contractor?

A home renovation or any construction project you’re undergoing does demand a lot from you. From picking out the right building materials to setting up a remodeling budget – there are so many things to take care of. One thing that often trips people up is figuring out who pulls permits – homeowner or contractor. Let’s break it down in a way that clears this doubt once and for all.

What does pulling permit mean, in construction?

In the world of construction, a building permit is essentially a green light from your local government that says, “Hey, you’re good to go with this home improvement project!” The permit ensures that the work complies with local building codes and safety standards. And, the process of getting this permit is what we call pulling a permit.

So, who pulls permits, homeowner or contractor?

Now, onto the big question: Who’s responsible for pulling the permits – you the homeowner or your contractor? The short answer is that it’s the contractor’s job most of the time. Unless it’s a DIY project. If you decide to pull the permit yourself, you’ll be the one dealing with the permit office, inspections, and any potential headaches if the work doesn’t meet codes. And if you’re not familiar with building codes, that can be a tricky situation.

Contractors are typically responsible for pulling permits because they’re the ones who know the ins and outs of local building codes and what type of work requires a permit. They’ve got experience dealing with the process and know how to navigate the paperwork. Plus, if a contractor pulls the permit, they’re the ones on the hook for making sure the work passes inspection. Having the contractor pull permits generally works in your favor. They’re familiar with what’s required, and if something goes wrong, they’re the ones responsible. Plus, if they pull the permit, they’re usually responsible for fixing any issues that come up during inspections.

In some situations, homeowners might end up pulling permits. Especially, if they’re doing the work themselves (think DIY projects) or if they’re hiring unlicensed contractors (not something we’d recommend). In these cases, you’d be the one heading down to the local permit office to handle the details. Just remember, if you’re the one to obtain permits, you will be responsible for making sure everything’s up to code.

What types of renovation work require permits?

Not every type of work needs a permit, but a lot of them do. Generally, any significant changes to your home’s structure, electrical work, plumbing work, or mechanical systems will require one. Here are some examples:

• Building a new room or addition
• Major kitchen or bathroom remodels
• Electrical upgrades or rewiring
• Plumbing changes or installations
• Roofing projects

It’s always a good idea to check with your local building department if you’re unsure whether your project needs a permit or not.

Read more: Hiring the right remodeling contractor

How much does a construction permit cost?

Permit costs can vary widely depending on the type of work and where you live. They might be a flat fee or a percentage of the total project cost. Your contractor should include permit costs in their estimate, so there are no surprises later on.

What happens if I skip getting the proper permits?

Not getting the right permits before starting work on your home can lead to some pretty serious headaches down the line. 

• When you sell your home: If you don’t have the right permits, you might run into trouble when it’s time to sell. Your home probably won’t pass inspection, which can kill the deal. Even if selling isn’t on your radar right now, it’s worth knowing that unpermitted work could cause issues later. If you do sell without the proper paperwork, the new owner could come back and sue you for not being upfront about the property’s condition.
• Insurance issues: Dealing with your homeowner’s insurance could get tricky too. If you need to update your policy or switch providers, they might ask for a Certificate of Occupancy. If that certificate doesn’t reflect all the changes you’ve made, the insurance company might refuse to cover your home since it doesn’t meet code requirements.
• Safety concerns: Skipping permits isn’t just about paperwork – it’s also a safety issue. If your contractor did any electrical work or added gas lines without the proper permits, you could be dealing with serious fire hazards. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a reputable contractor who will make sure everything is up to code and safe.

Last thoughts

So, who pulls permits – homeowner or contractor? Nine times out of ten, it’s the contractor’s job, and that’s usually the best route. They’ve got the experience, know what the permit requires, and understand the inspection process. But if you’re taking the DIY approach or working with an unlicensed contractor, you might find yourself responsible for pulling permits. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into.

At the end of the day, getting the right permits ensures your project is safe, legal, and up to code. So, whether it’s you or your contractor, make sure those permits are pulled!

Written by Ramona Sinha. November 5, 2024

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.