How much does a building permit cost?
Small building or trade permits often cost $50 - $500. Larger remodels, additions, decks, garages, and structural projects commonly run $500 - $2,000+, and some addition permits are priced as a percentage of project value or by square foot.
Permit fees are local. The bigger cost risk is usually not the permit fee itself; it is plan revisions, delays, inspections, code upgrades, and work that has to be opened up because it was done without approval.
Building permit cost by project type
Minor trade permit
$50 - $500How to tellElectrical panel work, new circuit, water heater, furnace, AC, plumbing line, or fixture relocation
The fixAsk whether the licensed trade or general contractor pulls the permit
Bathroom, kitchen, or basement remodel permit
$200 - $1,500+How to tellPlumbing, electrical, framing, egress, ventilation, or layout changes are included
The fixConfirm rough and final inspections, plan review, and who meets the inspector
Home addition or new square footage
$500 - $5,000+How to tellThe project changes the footprint, roofline, foundation, or structural load
The fixExpect site plan, drawings, zoning review, plan review, and multiple inspections
Deck, porch, garage, fence, or exterior structure
$100 - $1,500+How to tellSetbacks, footings, railings, height, lot coverage, or property lines matter
The fixCheck whether a survey, site plan, footing inspection, or HOA approval is required
After-the-fact permit
Varies widelyHow to tellWork was done without permits and must be legalized for resale, insurance, or safety
The fixBudget for opening walls, corrections, inspections, penalties, and professional drawings
Before budgeting permit fees
- Search your city or township plus the project type and building permit. Fee schedules are usually public.
- Ask the contractor to write who pulls permits, who pays fees, who schedules inspections, and who handles corrections.
- If the project changes footprint, exterior openings, structure, or utilities, assume permits matter until confirmed otherwise.
- Do not compare contractor quotes unless both include the same permit, drawing, inspection, and code-correction assumptions.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a general contractor, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- The work touches structure, exterior openings, stairs, decks, foundations, plumbing, electrical, gas, HVAC, or egress
- The building department requires drawings, site plans, energy forms, zoning review, or inspections
- A contractor says a permit is not needed but another contractor says it is
- You are buying or selling a home and unpermitted work appears in the history
- The project is in an HOA, historic district, flood zone, shoreline area, or strict municipality
Repair or replace?
Skipping permits can look cheaper until resale, insurance, financing, or a complaint forces the issue. For small cosmetic work, permits may not apply. For structural, utility, addition, or life-safety work, a permitted job is usually the cleaner long-term path.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the contractors checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
Who pays for building permits?
Either the homeowner or contractor can pay, depending on the contract. The quote should state whether permit fees are included or reimbursed separately.
Can I pull my own permit?
Some jurisdictions allow owner-builder permits, but trade work may still require licensed contractors. Pulling your own permit can also make you responsible for inspections and corrections.
Do permits increase property taxes?
Major additions or finished space may affect assessed value. Simple repairs or trade replacements often do not, but local assessment rules control the outcome.