A building permit costs $50 to $300 for small jobs such as plumbing, electrical, fences, windows, and decks. For large projects, the cost to get a building permit is $500 to $2,000 for construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, basement finishing, building a house, or room additions.
Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below: Are you a pro? Get new customersA building permit costs $50 to $300 for small jobs such as plumbing, electrical, fences, windows, and decks. For large projects, the cost to get a building permit is $500 to $2,000 for construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, basement finishing, building a house, or room additions.
Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below: Are you a pro? Get new customers How much will your project cost? TABLE OF CONTENTS Written by January 12, 2024A building permit costs $50 to $300 for small jobs such as plumbing and electrical and $500 to $2,000 to 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 |
| Basement 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 |
Permits cost 0.50% 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 permits cost $50 to $350 total or a base of $30 to $50 and $0.50 to $8 per fixture. The permit cost of electrical work depends 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.
A plumbing permit costs $30 to $500 to pull or between $7 and $50 per fixture for larger projects. Plumbing permit fees are either per square foot, per room, or per fixture, depending on average 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.
A deck permit costs $50 to $150 on 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 total cost to build a deck.
Construction permits cost $500 to $2,000 on average, depending on the project's total value or square footage. Permit costs to build a house are $1,000 to $3,000. Permit costs for a room addition is $5 to $21 per $1,000 of 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+ |
A building permit for a garage costs $150 to $500 on average. Permits for attached garages are more expensive than detached structures. Garage building permits cost $800 to $1,500 when converting a garage into a living space, which includes HVAC and electrical. Contractors include permit fees in the cost to build a garage.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| General Building | $150 – $500 |
| Conversion Into Living Space | $800 – $1,500 |
A roofing permit costs $150 to $500 for roof replacement and $70 to $250 for 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 the cost of a roof permit 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.
A fence permit costs $40 to $150 and 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 their fence installation cost estimate.
A water heater permit costs $50 to $200. Permit fees are often included in the contractor's cost 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.
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 in bathroom renovation costs.
A basement finishing permit costs $200 to $1,000. Some cities charge 1% to 2% of total construction costs. Additional permits fees for electrical, plumbing, or heating and cooling may be added to the cost to finish a basement.
A kitchen remodel permits costs $500 to $1,500 and 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 calculating kitchen remodeling costs.
Window permits cost $50 to $200 each, while a permit for multiple window installations cost $400 to $600 total. 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 |
A driveway permit costs $50 to $200 on 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 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 total cost to build a pool.
HVAC permits cost $50 and $500 for ductwork repairs and replacement, while permits for new furnace and AC installations cost $250 to $1,500. Contractors typically include permit fees into HVAC cost estimates. Rough-in and final inspections are required by licensed contractors.
Small 8'x10' sheds don’t typically require permits. Sheds over 200 square feet require permits costing $50 to $145 or 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 |
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 easements detailed. However, some cities do not require permits for a pergola.
A demolition permit costs $100 and $450 on average. Some cities include demolition permits as part of an overall building permit. Demolition permits are required when demolishing an entire house or removing a wall when remodeling.
Additional demolition permits may apply for:
Home and building inspection fees are $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 permit fees typically cost less and may be flat rate, while commercial permits are calculated by the building size or project value.
Commercial building permits cost $0.15 to $0.84 per square foot or 1% 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 construction refers to single-family homes and condos. Residential building permit fees average $0 to $400 for small projects and repairs and $600 to $3,600 for 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 |
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% |
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 |
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.
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.
Building without a permit can lead to fines, 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.
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 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 permits cost $5 to $21 per $1,000 of 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.
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 requiring permits include removing, changing, adding, or fixing load-bearing elements like walls, attic, basement, or foundation. These permits cover demolition, roofing, decks, installing new doors or larger windows, fireplace, chimney, or attached sheds.
Get free estimates from construction companies near you.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.
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:
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 vary by location. Permits may require detailed plans and drawings, such as:
House plans cost $0.35 to $5.00 per square foot to draft.
Certain permits require additional plans or documentation to be submitted including:
Additional requirements may include:
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.
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.
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.
Building permits take two weeks on average for the application to be approved and a valid permit issued. Small residential building permits are approved the same day for projects such as windows, fences, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, decks, and roofing. Commercial building permits take four weeks for 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 |
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.
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.
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:
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