Do I need a licensed contractor to get a permit?
Who Can Pull Permits
In most places, homeowners can pull permits for work on their own primary residence, as long as they are doing the work themselves. However, if you hire someone to do the work, that person usually must be a licensed contractor in the relevant trade to pull the permit. For example, a general contractor might pull a building permit, but an electrical permit often requires a licensed electrician.
Some jurisdictions require all permits to be pulled by a licensed contractor, regardless of who does the work. This is more common in states with strict licensing laws, like California, Oregon, and Washington. In other states, like Texas, there is no statewide general contractor license, so homeowner permits are more common.
Why It Matters
If you pull a permit as a homeowner but hire an unlicensed person to do the work, you may be violating local rules and could face fines or have to redo the work. Also, if the work is done by an unlicensed contractor, your homeowner's insurance may not cover accidents or damage.
Before starting, call your local building department to ask who can pull the permit for your project. They can tell you the specific requirements for your area. If you're hiring a contractor, verify their license and ask if they will pull the permit or if you need to.
- Homeowners often can pull permits for their own residence.
- Licensed contractors typically must pull permits for work they perform.
- Some states require all permits to be pulled by licensed pros.
- Check with your local building department for exact rules.
- Verify any contractor's license before hiring.
Common mistakes
- Assuming you can pull any permit as a homeowner, even for work you're hiring out.
- Hiring an unlicensed contractor who says they'll pull the permit, only to find they can't legally do so.
- Not checking local rules, which can vary widely even within the same state.
