Pull Building Permits
Navigate the permit process successfully to protect your investment. Proper permits ensure code compliance, protect resale value, and keep your insurance coverage intact.
Why Building Permits Are Critical
Skipping permits is one of the costliest mistakes homeowners make. Work done without permits can void your homeowner's insurance, making any basement-related insurance claims ineligible. When selling, buyers' inspectors will identify unpermitted work, potentially killing your sale or forcing expensive remediation. Building departments can levy fines of $500-$5,000+ and require you to tear out completed work to inspect behind walls. The few hundred dollars saved by skipping permits can cost tens of thousands later.
Documents You'll Need
Step-by-Step Permit Process
Research Local Requirements
Contact your local building department to understand specific requirements:
- •Visit or call the building department for a permit checklist
- •Ask about required plan details and level of drawing detail needed
- •Confirm if you can pull permits yourself or need a licensed contractor
- •Get fee schedule to budget for permit costs
- •Download application forms and instruction sheets
Prepare Required Plans
Create detailed plans showing all proposed work. Most jurisdictions accept hand-drawn plans if they're neat, to scale, and show all required information:
Submit Permit Application
Complete application forms and submit with plans and fees:
- Fill out building permit application completely and accurately
- Attach all required plans (usually need 2-3 copies)
- Include property survey if required
- Pay permit fees (bring checkbook - credit cards often not accepted)
- Get submission receipt with permit application number
Pro Tip: Submit plans early - the review period doesn't count against your project timeline if you plan ahead.
Plan Review Process
The building department will review your plans for code compliance:
- •Review typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on jurisdiction workload
- •You may receive correction requests if plans don't meet code
- •Respond to corrections promptly to avoid delays
- •Some jurisdictions allow you to start work before full approval (ask)
Warning: Never start work before receiving approval unless explicitly authorized by your building department in writing.
Receive and Post Permits
Once approved, pick up your permits and prepare for inspections:
- •Pick up approved permits and stamped plan sets
- •Post permit card in a visible location (usually near entry to basement)
- •Keep approved plans on-site for inspector reference
- •Note required inspection points and inspection phone number
- •Permits typically expire after 6-12 months - check expiration date
Pro Tips
- ✓Schedule a pre-application meeting with building department to review plans informally
- ✓Keep inspector phone number handy - call 24-48 hours ahead to schedule inspections
- ✓Take photos at each inspection stage as proof of code-compliant work
- ✓Be present during inspections to ask questions and understand any concerns
- ✓If permit is expiring, file for extension before deadline to avoid re-application fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to finish my basement?▼
Yes, almost all municipalities require permits for basement finishing projects. This includes electrical, plumbing, framing, and general building permits. Finishing without permits can result in fines, inability to sell your home, insurance claim denials, and being forced to tear out completed work.
How much do basement finishing permits cost?▼
Permit costs vary widely by location but typically range from $200 to $1,000+ for a complete basement finish. Costs are usually based on project value or square footage. Larger basements and projects with plumbing additions cost more. Budget 1-2% of total project cost for permits.
How long does it take to get basement finishing permits?▼
Permit approval typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on your municipality and plan complexity. Simple plans may be approved in days, while complex projects requiring engineering stamps can take longer. Submit early in your planning phase to avoid project delays.
What inspections are required for basement finishing?▼
Typical inspections include: 1) Framing inspection after walls are built, 2) Electrical rough-in before drywall, 3) Plumbing rough-in before drywall, 4) Insulation inspection, and 5) Final inspection after all work is complete. Schedule inspections as you complete each phase - never cover work before inspection.