The short version
- 01Structural changes almost always need a permit.
- 02New electrical circuits and plumbing lines usually do.
- 03Painting and flooring usually do not.
- 04Your city’s building department has the final word.
Work that usually needs a permit
Anything that changes structure, adds or moves plumbing or electrical, replaces a roof deck, or adds square footage.
- Additions and decks
- Moving walls
- Water heater replacement
- New circuits or panels
Work that usually does not
Cosmetic work such as paint, flooring, cabinets in the same place, and like-for-like fixture swaps.
Who pulls the permit
Your contractor should pull it under their license. That ties the work and the inspections to them.
Questions homeowners ask
What happens if I skip a permit?
You may have to open finished work for inspection later, and unpermitted work can complicate a sale or an insurance claim.
Ready for a real number?
A crew lead walks the job and gives you a written estimate. No cost, no obligation.
About the author
Jacob Pro Project DeskEstimating and permitting team
The project desk scopes every Jacob Pro job before a crew is scheduled. The team writes these guides from the estimates, permit files, and closeout reports it handles every week, so homeowners can plan with the same questions our estimators ask.