Getting Through Permits: A Homeowner’s Guide to Navigating Construction Approvals

Before any hammer swings or wall comes down, your project may need something unglamorous but essential: permits.

For homeowners, permitting can feel like a confusing, bureaucratic hassle. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, understanding permits can help you avoid delays, fines, and costly redos—and give you more control over your contractor.

This guide walks you through what permitting is, why it matters, and how to get through it with minimal stress.

What Is a Building Permit?

A building permit is formal approval from your city, county, or other local authority that allows construction work to begin. It ensures your project complies with safety codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations.

Permits may be required for:

• Major remodels

• Additions or structural changes

• Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work

• Foundation, framing, or roof changes

• Window replacements or new openings

• Demolition of walls or structures

If in doubt, ask your contractor or call the building department directly.

Why Permits Matter to You as a Homeowner

You might hear, “We can skip permits and save time.” But skipping permits is risky—and you, not your contractor, will pay the price.

Permits protect you by:

• ✅ Ensuring the work meets code and safety standards

• ✅ Providing documentation for resale and insurance

• ✅ Holding your contractor accountable

• ✅ Preventing fines, stop-work orders, and forced redos

If your project doesn’t pass inspection later, you could be required to rip it out—at your own expense.

Who Pulls the Permit?

In most cases, your contractor should pull the permit as the responsible party. But here’s the catch: some shady contractors will try to shift this to you, the homeowner.

Don’t agree to pull the permit yourself unless:

• You’re acting as the owner-builder (managing the entire project)

• You understand the risks (you become liable for code compliance)

Instead, ask your contractor:

“Will you be pulling all required permits for this project and coordinating inspections?”

Get that commitment in writing.

What to Expect in the Permitting Process

1. Application
   The contractor (or architect) submits drawings, specs, and permit applications.

2. Plan Review
   City reviewers check for compliance with building codes, fire safety, and zoning.

3. Permit Approval
   Once approved, the project can legally begin. A physical permit may be posted on site.

4. Inspections During Construction
   Inspectors visit at key milestones: rough framing, plumbing, electrical, final inspection.

5. Final Sign-Off
   Once everything passes, the permit is officially closed out.

How to Stay Informed as a Homeowner

Even if you’re not handling the permits directly, you should stay involved:

• Ask for a copy of all permits and inspection reports

• Track inspection dates and approvals

• Be present (or get a summary) after each inspection

• Keep copies in your project binder or cloud folder

You don’t have to manage permits, but you should always monitor them.

Common Permit Pitfalls—and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall What to Do Instead Contractor says "we don’t need a permit" Call your city building office to confirm Permits are pulled under homeowner’s name to save cost Push back—have the contractor take responsibility Unpermitted work is discovered mid-project Pause and discuss the risks before proceeding Failed inspections cause delay Review the inspector’s comments and get a fix/reinspection plan in writing

Final Thought: Permits Are Power

Permits might seem like red tape—but they’re actually your ally. They:

• Keep your contractor honest

• Help catch mistakes early

• Make your project safer, insurable, and legal

The best contractors don’t fear permits—they plan for them. So don’t be afraid to ask questions, request documentation, and keep a record of every approval.

Permits are part of managing your home like an asset—and smart homeowners don’t skip the paperwork.