Written by
Tom Grupa
Building Permit Cost
A building permit costs$50 to $300for small jobs such as plumbing and electrical and$500 to $2,000to build a house, construction, or remodeling. Building permit fees are based on a flat rate, per square foot, or construction value. Building permits take two weeks to be approved and issued.
| Project | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Build a House | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Build A Garage | $150 – $500 |
| Convert Garage Into Living Space | $800 – $1,500 |
| General Construction | $500 – $2,000 |
| Room Addition | $200 – $600 |
| Electrical | $50 – $350 |
| Roofing | $150 – $500 |
| Fence | $40 – $150 |
| Plumbing | $30 – $500 |
| Sprinkler system | $35 – $200 |
| HVAC | $50 – $1,500 |
| Water Heater | $25 – $250 |
| Bathroom Remodel | $200 – $800 |
| Deck | $50 – $150 |
| Shed | $50 – $145 |
| Pergola | $60 – $150 |
| Seawall or bulkhead | $100 – $400 |
| Land leveling or grading | $50 – $400 |
| Basem*nt Finishing | $200 – $1,000 |
| Kitchen Remodel | $500 – $1,500 |
| Window | $50 – $200 |
| Driveway | $50 – $200 |
| Swimming Pool | $100 – $300 |
| Demolition | $100 – $450 |
| Well Drilling | $250 – $600 |
| Scaffolding | $100 – $300 |
| Building Inspecting | $100 – $500 |
| Crane or Temporary Tower | $300 – $600 |
Construction companies typically pull building permits and include any permit fees in their estimates.
If a homeowner pulls an owner-builder permit, they assume all code responsibility, financial liability, and insurance risks.
Permits can be obtained the same day for small projects, and take around two weeks for more extensive construction.
Permit services handle the paperwork, relationships, legalities, inspections, and streamline the process.
Projects that don’t require a permit still must follow local building and zoning codes.
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Building Permit Cost Calculator
Permits cost0.50% to 2.00%of the total construction cost on average. Building permit fees are calculated based on the type and size of the project (square footage), the total construction cost, and the city.
| National Average Cost | $477 |
| Minimum Cost | $50 |
| Maximum Cost | $6,000 |
| Average Range | $150 to $1,500 |
Electrical Permit Cost
Electrical permits cost$50 to $350total or a base of$30 to $50and$0.50 to $8 per fixture. The permitcost of electrical workdepends on the number of circuits, amps, and outlets installed. Electrical permits don’t require plans and are typically issued the same day for replacing switches, sockets, or ceiling fans.
Plumbing Permit Cost
A plumbing permit costs$30 to $500to pull or between$7 and $50 per fixturefor larger projects. Plumbing permit fees are either per square foot, per room, or per fixture, depending onaverage plumbing estimates.
Plumbing permits are required for repiping, plumbing installation, drainage and sewer systems, and water heaters. Exemptions include repairing leaks, unblocking drains, or installing a garbage disposal.
Deck Permit Costs
A deck permit costs$50 to $150on average. Covered deck permits cost more. Permits may not be required for decks detached from the house, under 200 square feet, less than 30” above grade, not served by the main exit door, with no electricity or plumbing, or not in a floodplain. Contractors include permit fees in the totalcost to build a deck.
Construction Permit Cost
Construction permits cost$500 to $2,000on average, depending on the project's total value or square footage. Permitcosts to build a houseare$1,000 to $3,000. Permitcosts for a room additionis$5 to $21 per $1,000of project cost or$0.16 to $0.74 per square foot.
| Project Cost | Average Permit Cost |
|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | $30 – $250 |
| $25,000 – $50,000 | $200 – $650 |
| $50,000 – $100,000 | $400 – $1,000 |
| $100,000 – $500,000 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| $500,000 – $1,000,000 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| More than $1,000,000 | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
Garage Building Permit Cost
A building permit for a garage costs$150 to $500on average. Permits for attached garages are more expensive than detached structures. Garage building permits cost$800 to $1,500when converting a garage into a living space, which includes HVAC and electrical. Contractors include permit fees in thecost to build a garage.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| General Building | $150 – $500 |
| Conversion Into Living Space | $800 – $1,500 |
Roofing Permit Cost
A roofing permit costs$150 to $500for roof replacement and$70 to $250for repairs. Building permits for new homes or porches already include roofing. Some cities don’t require permits for re-roofing or provide exemptions if replacing a roof below a specific size. Contractors typically cover thecost of a roofpermit in their estimate.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Repairs | $70 – $250 |
| Replacement | $150 – $500 |
Permits are needed for repairing a roof section beyond one square (100 SF) or 25% of the total roof size, structural work, full replacement, or for homes in a historic district. Final roof inspections are typically required.
Fence Permit Cost
A fence permit costs$40 to $150and is typically issued the same day. Fences under 6' tall typically do not require a permit. Consult with your contractor to ensure they included permit fees in theirfence installation costestimate.
Fence permit applications take 1 to 28 days and require a copy of the property survey.
An inspection upon completion costs $25 to $85 to ensure compliance with building codes.
Water Heater Permit Cost
A water heater permit costs$50 to $200. Permit fees are often included in the contractor'scost to install a water heater. In some cities, permits are not required for replacement. Permits ensure building codes cover seismic strap requirements, temperature and pressure release valves, location, and venting to address risks from explosion and fire.
Bathroom Remodel Permit Cost
A bathroom remodel permit costs$200 to $800. Additional permit costs and site plans are required if walls are added or altered. Bathroom permits are typically not needed for projects lower than $1,000 or for replacing fixtures. Additional fees may occur if the home is in a historic neighborhood.
Adding a new bathroom to a home requires a more expensive general building permit. Contractors typically include permit fees inbathroom renovation costs.
Basem*nt Finishing Permit Cost
A basem*nt finishing permit costs$200 to $1,000. Some cities charge1% to 2%of total construction costs. Additional permits fees for electrical, plumbing, or heating and cooling may be added to thecost to finish a basem*nt.
Kitchen Remodel Permit Cost
A kitchen remodel permits costs$500 to $1,500and is typically based on the project's total value. Kitchen remodeling permits are required for demolition, structural, electrical, plumbing, or changing the layout or size.
Some cities don't require permits for projects below a set cost or projects such as painting, flooring, counters, cabinets, or fixtures. Make sure the contractor's quote includes permit fees when calculatingkitchen remodeling costs.
Window Permit Cost
Window permits cost$50 to $200 each, while a permit for multiplewindow installations cost$400 to $600total. Some cities only require permits for windows if the replacement requires structural changes to the wall. Window permits may not be necessary if the window is the same size.
| Project size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| One window | $50 – $200 |
| Multiple windows | $400 – $600 |
Driveway Permit Cost
A driveway permit costs$50 to $200on average and is typically required for new installations but not for repairs. Some cities waive the permit fee if there is already a paved apron connecting the property to a public street.
A land-disturbance permit may be required for projects over 4,000 ft² or if it's near a designated flood zone.
A right-of-way permit may be needed if your driveway affects a public sidewalk or street.
A permit may be required when creating a new access point that joins a private or public road, for additional parking, or driveway expansion.
A permit for minor modifications and repairs costs $45 to $90.
A new driveway costs $1,700 to $6,900.
Swimming Pool Permit Cost
A swimming pool permit costs$100 to $300, not including the site plans or drawings. Above ground pool permits are cheaper, and some cities do not require permits for pools under a specific size. Many cities also require plumbing and electrical permits for swimming pools. Most contractors include the permit fees into the totalcost to build a pool.
HVAC Permit Cost
HVAC permits cost$50 and $500for ductwork repairs and replacement, while permits for new furnace and AC installations cost$250 to $1,500. Contractors typically include permit fees intoHVAC costestimates. Rough-in and final inspections are required by licensed contractors.
Shed Permit Cost
Small 8'x10' sheds don’t typically require permits. Sheds over 200 square feet require permits costing$50 to $145or more if adding electricity and plumbing or attaching to a home. Sheds that qualify as livable spaces may require a general building permit for$500 to $2,000.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small Sheds (< 100 SF) | $0 |
| Sheds (> 200 SF) | $50 – $145 |
| Livable Sheds With Plumbing & Electricity | $500 – $2,000 |
Pergola Permit Cost
A pergola permit costs$60 to $150, depending on if it's freestanding or attached. Local building codes dictate where a pergola can be located and its dimensions. Permit plans may require proposed location, existing structures, setbacks, and easem*nts detailed. However, some cities do not require permits for a pergola.
Demolition Permit Cost
A demolition permit costs$100 and $450on average. Some cities include demolition permits as part of an overall building permit. Demolition permits are required whendemolishing an entire houseorremoving a wallwhen remodeling.
Additional demolition permits may apply for:
Demolition of historic landmarks: $300 to $10,000
Capping or relocating lines: $100 to $150 each
Closing the public right-of-way
Dust control
City zoning regulations
Tree removing
Building Inspection Fee
Home and building inspection feesare$100 to $500, and some cities include inspections in permit fees. The process can require multiple inspections by local building inspectors before, during, and after construction. Work that fails inspection requires a re-inspection that costs$40 to $100.
Residential vs. Commercial Building Permit Fees
Residential permit fees typically cost less and may be flat rate, while commercial permits are calculated by the building size or project value.
Commercial Building Permit Cost
Commercial building permits cost$0.15 to $0.84 per square footor1% to 5%of the project's value. Fees depend on the building size, construction type, and occupancy classifications (industrial, business, residential, educational, high hazard).
| Building Size (SF) | Average Permit Cost |
|---|---|
| 5,000 | $750 – $4,200 |
| 10,000 | $1,500 – $8,400 |
| 25,000 | $3,750 – $21,000 |
| 50,000 | $7,500 – $42,000 |
Residential Building Permit Fees
Residential construction refers to single-family homes and condos. Residential building permit fees average$0 to $400for small projects and repairs and$600 to $3,600for structural work, remodeling, and new construction.
| Project | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Fence, HVAC, Deck, Water Heater, Windows, Doors | $0 – $100 |
| Manufactured Home, Excavation, Demolition | $100 – $450 |
| Foundation, Pergola, Remodeling, New Construction | $600 – $3,600 |
| After the fact / As Built | $2,000 – $8,000 |
Building Approval Fees
Some projects have unexpected application fees and building approval fees. Additional fees may include scanning, revisions, Certificate of Occupancy fees, investigation fees, and Certificate of Appropriateness. Check your city's permit fee schedule for more details.
| Source | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Technology Fee | 3% of permit fee |
| Planning Surcharge | 5% of permit fee |
| Financial Recovery | 1% of permit fee |
| State Surcharge | 1 – 3% of permit fee |
| Zoning Permits | $120 or up to 13% of permit fee |
| Permit Renewals or Extension | $60 – $550 or 25% of permit fee |
| Plan Reviews / Checks | $90 – $1,000 or 25% – 80% of permit fee |
| Phased Permitting | $195 per phase or 10% – 50% of permit and plan review fees |
| Express Plan Examination | $600 – $1,000+ per permit |
| Historic Alterations or Demolition | +50% surcharge on permits fees |
| Transportation Impact Fee | $6,500 |
| Sewer Connect Fees | $500 – $10,000 |
| Unpermitted work | 2 – 16 times permit fees |
| After Hour inspections | 2 – 3 hour minimum, up to $450 |
| Park Development Fees | $2,000 to $3,500 |
| Flood Control Development Impact Fees | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| State Surcharge | +12% |
Average Cost of House Building Permits By Location
Some cities and states have specific requirements for building permits.
| State | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $2,100 – $3,700 |
| California | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Idaho | $1,700 – $3,100 |
| Illinois | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Oregon | $950 – $1,800 |
| Texas | $1,000 – $3,000 |
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California – Permit fees consider structure use, cost, square footage, and construction type. Permits to build a house range from $1,200 to $3,000 on average, depending on the city. Other fees include submission, inspection, sewer, zone check, water, park, architectural services, and transportation development impact.
Oregon – ePermitting delivers new construction and renovation permits for 3% of construction costs, including plan review fees. Some cities allow 3rd party permit reviews for quicker results.
Idaho – Permits to build a house in Idaho cost $1,700 to $3,100, excluding plan review fees. The state provides online permit processing.
Arizona – House building permits cost $2,100 to $3,700, and can be processed, tracked, extended, and have virtual reviews or inspections scheduled online. Permits and plans are required for most projects, but exemptions may include painting, flooring, or roofing, depending on the city. Plus, architects or engineers aren’t mandatory on all residential plans.
Illinois – New construction permits cost $2,000 to $3,000 and are based on square feet with a minimum. Permitting takes about 80 days and can be completed online. Permits are not required in some cities on projects, including replacing sinks, toilets, flooring, kitchen cabinets, stairs roofing shingles, or exterior siding.
New York – New York City has a more complex and stringent permit process than most cities. The NYC buildings department advises consulting with a contractor, architect, or engineer to discuss permitting fees for new construction or renovations.
What Is A Building Permit?
A building permit is a legal document required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, remove, convert, move, or demolish a building or structure. Cities, counties, or towns issue permits, and requirements vary between jurisdictions. Call 3-1-1 to learn whether your project needs a permit.
Why Are Building Permits Needed?
Building permits are needed to ensure public health and safety, structural safety and quality, and protect home resale value. Building permits are mandated, so projects follow local building, construction, and zoning codes. Safe and proper construction reduces risks and ensures contractors don't cut corners.
What Happens If You Build Without A Permit?
Building without a permit can lead tofines, having the project shut down, or even having to tear out the work. Applying for permits after the fact may double or triple permit costs. It's critical to get a permit before building.
Building without a permit can interfere with the future sale of your home.
When Do You Need A Building Permit?
Building permits are typically needed for building a house, room additions, bathroom or kitchen remodeling, structural changes, fences, decks, and electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Small projects may not require a permit. Check with your local building department for permit regulations.
New Construction
New construction to enlarge, alter, move, change building occupancy or require greater strength, or demolish a structure requires permitting. Anything from detached sheds to building a new house is included. Possible exemptions include some retaining walls, small decks, and low fences.
Room Addition Permit Cost
Room addition permits cost$5 to $21 per $1,000of project cost or$0.16 to $0.74 per square foot. Permits for additions include adding a room or new story, converting a garage, adding a sunroom, or installation an enclosed patio or deck.
Major Renovations
Permits for major renovations include kitchen, bathroom, and garage remodeling, reframing walls, replacing subflooring, and electric panels. Remodeling projects require site plans and often include changing a layout and require multiple permits for demolition, construction, and moving utilities.
Structural Changes
Structural changes requiring permits include removing, changing, adding, or fixing load-bearing elements like walls, attic, basem*nt, or foundation. These permits cover demolition, roofing, decks, installing new doors or larger windows, fireplace, chimney, or attached sheds.
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Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Work
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical projects require permits costing$30 to $500. These permits cover wiring, lighting, fixtures, appliances, plumbing, drainage, water heaters, HVAC, and ductwork. Some cities don't require electrical permits on work under$100.
How To Get A Building Permit
Typically, the contractor, architect, designer, or permit service obtains the building permits and manages the project to completion.
The steps to get a permit are:
Fill out a building permit application. Available from city offices or online
Prepare a site plan. Extensive construction projects require professional drawings that meeting building codes.
Schedule an appointment for plan approval. The plan may be approved the same day, require changes, or undergo additional review.
Get the permit. This process takes about 2 weeks.
Schedule inspections throughout the construction process.
Finish the project and get final city approval.
What Is A Permit Service?
A permit service manages the permit application process on behalf of a homeowner or contractor. Permit expediting services cost$300 to $2,000, excluding permit fees. Permit services handle the paperwork, relationships, legalities, inspections, and streamline the application process in half the time.
Building Permit Requirements
Building permit requirements vary by location. Permits may require detailed plans and drawings, such as:
Plot Plan / Site Plan
Foundation plans
Floor plans
Framing plans
Section Drawing
House plans cost$0.35 to $5.00 per square footto draft.
Certain permits require additional plans or documentation to be submitted including:
Grading or topographical plans
Exterior elevations
Soils report
Structural calculations
Plans for sprinkler or fire alarm systems
Energy and disabled access compliance
Public street dedication and improvement requirements
Conceptual landscaping and irrigation plan
Acoustical analysis
County assessor building construction records
Preliminary title report
Licensed land survey
Stormwater BMPS
Other details studies, reports, plans or materials
Additional requirements may include:
Zoning / Land use permit required before applying for a building permit
Preliminary reviews required before submitting a permit application
Project ID finalized before submitting permit application
Copies of closing documents If the property was sold recently
Copy of executed lease if an application is submitted by building tenant
The property must be current on all taxes
The building is a 1-2 family home not needing plumbing or electrical permits for the new work
Work is done by a contractor or building owner who wither lives in the building, proves they can do the job, or passes a test
Contractors must have current license and insurance, and be current on all city taxes
Where To Get A Building Permit?
The county or city issues building permits for repairs, remodeling, or new construction. Permits are available at town hall or city hall from the Building Safty and Permit Department. Most building departments also have the forms available online for download.
Getting A Building Permit After The Fact
For non-permitted work done, it's possible to get a retroactive building permit after the fact. Permit departments require an inspection before finishing the work for projects such as plumbing, wiring, framing, ceilings, or foundations. After-the-fact permits take longer and cost$2,000 to $8,000.
Some cities allow up to 4 years to re-open the permit and may work with homeowners to bring the property into compliance without penalties. If selling a home with unpermitted work, it can be listed "as is" with full disclosure.
Building Permit FAQs
Who Can Apply For A Building Permit?
A homeowner or an official representative such as a licensed contractor, attorney, permit processor, architect, or designer can apply for a building permit. If the owner pulls an owner-builder permit to save money, they assume the legal responsibility and financial risk.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Building Permit?
Building permits taketwo weekson average for the application to be approved and a valid permit issued. Small residential building permits areapproved the same dayfor projects such as windows, fences, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, decks, and roofing. Commercial building permits takefour weeksfor approval.
| Job Type | Average Time |
|---|---|
| Windows, Drywall, Fencing, HVAC, Siding, Roofing, Water Heater, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fireplace Insert, Deck, Patio, Trellis, Fire Damage Repair, Garage Conversion, Small Repairs | Same day |
| New Homes and Structures, Home Additions, Home Remodeling, Foundation Repair, Pools and Spas, Retaining Walls, Solar | 2 weeks |
| Commercial Construction and Remodeling | 4 weeks |
Can A Homeowner Pull A Building Permit?
A homeowner can pull an owner-builder permit to do their own plumbing, electric, mechanical, or remodeling work. If you pull a building permit, you’re the contractor, and you assume all code responsibility, financial liability, and insurance risks for the project.
What is an Owner-Builder Permit?
Owner-builder permits are needed if you plan to do or oversee construction at your property. With this permit, exemption from standard license requirements is granted, and the owner assumes all the responsibility both legally and financially.
Hiring A Permit Service
Licensed contractors typically obtain building permits and include any fees in their estimates. Contractors may use a permit service to expedite the process. Before hiring a permit service, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are licensed, insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
