How Much Does a Building Permit Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Planning a home renovation or building project? You'll need to factor in the cost of a building permit, which averages $1,650, with most projects ranging from $530 to $3,040. Simple permits for minor projects like plumbing or rewiring can cost as little as $150, while large, complex projects may cost up to $7,500.The cost depends on factors like your location, project size, and complexity. 

Securing the right permits is crucial to ensure your project complies with local building codes and to avoid costly fines and delays. Budgeting for these permits and hiring a professional can help you navigate the process smoothly.

What Is a Building Permit?

A building permit is an official document required to begin legally sanctioned construction or renovation on a property. Every jurisdiction—this may include states, counties, cities, or towns—has different requirements for issuing permits and different building codes and fees associated with them. Homeowners and professionals must follow these throughout the building or renovation process.

Once fees are paid, your local agency or building office can process your application(s) and issue your permit(s). Later, the agency will inspect the construction to ensure it passes building and energy codes.

Building Permit Cost by Permit Type

The building permits you'll need—and how much they cost—vary greatly by project. The scope of your project can significantly impact your permit expenses. Remember, building permit requirements and fees differ across cities, counties, and states. The following price estimates are general guidelines.

Construction

Given the broad range of projects construction permits cover, they cost anywhere from $150 to $2,000. Some permits for individual projects, such as a whole-house renovation, cost as much as a new-home building permit. In other cases, such as building an outdoor patio, they’re a fraction of the cost.

Here are some other examples of jobs that warrant a construction permit:

• Removing or building interior walls

• Pouring a concrete basement

• Remodeling a kitchen

• Repairing a ceiling related to construction

Check with a contractor, architect, or engineer when mapping out the final cost of building a house to ensure that you're meeting all the right permit requirements.

Garage Conversion

A permit for a garage conversion costs between $1,200 and $2,000. In many cities, this garage conversion is considered an extension of the home, which often drives up the permit price or the number of permits needed.

This price might include permits for electrical wiring, HVAC installation, and installation of outlets, air ducts, and vents.

Electrical

You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $500 for electrical permits, depending on how many permits you need and the complexity of your project's electrical requirements. The cost of electrical work depends on:

• The number of circuits

• Amps

• Sockets

• Outlets installed

For large-scale projects or higher voltages, like those in commercial properties, permit prices can increase significantly. Smaller repairs, like replacing light fixtures or fixing a ceiling light, usually don't need a permit. Generally, you'll need permits for installing or replacing electrical wiring, in addition to the cost of electrical wiring installation.

Roofing

Expect to pay between $250 and $500 for the cost of a roofing permit. An initial building permit usually involves roofing when remodeling a home, so you can save money if you fold other projects into one license.

However, a roofing permit is a separate requirement for one-off projects. Typically, it covers up to the first 1,000 square feet, but depending on where you live, you may need to pay more for any additional square feet after that. Your local contractor should be able to include the permit in your final roof replacement cost.

Fence

Permits for new fence installation cost an average of $150. Urban areas—where neighbors are generally closer than in rural areas—are most likely to require a fence permit before building. Fences under six feet tall typically don’t require a permit.

That said, always confirm costs with your local building department and ask your contractor to provide a permit in the final cost of your fencing project.

Plumbing

The average cost of a permit for plumbing projects is between $50 and $500. Plumbing operates similarly to electrical work, meaning that projects vary in price and permit models depending on their complexity.

You may need a plumbing permit for:

• Repiping

• Drain replacement

• Sewer replacement

• Installing new plumbing

• Installing a new water heater

You can avoid paying excess fees by planning a complete remodel of your home or bathroom. This way, you can pull one permit to cover all aspects of the project rather than paying for one-off permits.

HVAC 

Installing air ducts and vents in your home will require a permit that costs between $250 and $400 on average.

In many areas, HVAC permits are required as part of a general building permit. A contractor should be able to include this fee in the total price of installing an HVAC system. Even if you're replacing a broken appliance of this type, you need a permit to pass a final inspection.

Bathroom 

Repairing a bathroom or adding a new one to your home requires a permit that costs $600 on average. Bathroom permits can be pricey because of the number of tasks that must pass inspection, such as:

• Plumbing

• Electrical

• Construction

• HVAC

Some municipalities may require individual permits for these or have a formula based on the project's square footage. A contractor should include permit fees in the final cost to remodel a bathroom, or you can check with your local building department for prices.

Deck 

The final cost to build a new outdoor deck may include a $100 permit fee, on average. Fortunately, remodeling or updating an old deck doesn't require a permit in many areas.

If you're extending your deck or outdoor living space, you may need a local land surveyor to assess how far from the house your deck can extend. Your contractor or local building department should be able to provide you with the necessary permits for your deck project.

Shed 

Like bathrooms, sheds often require electricity, plumbing, and other tasks that drive up permit prices. New shed permits cost between $150 and $3,750, while the cost to build a shed averages $3,750.

Depending on the square footage of your shed, you may not need a permit to build one. Installing a shed that's 8-by-8-feet or smaller, for example, generally doesn't warrant a permit. Purchasing a smaller pre-made shed from a local hardware store can also prevent the need for a permit in some instances.

Each county has different requirements, so check the requirements in your area before starting your project.

Pergola

Pergola installation permits cost anywhere from $100. Since pergolas don't have a covered roof, you won't need a roofing permit. But you still may need clearance to install lights and electrical wiring.

The cost to build a pergola can increase quickly due to its design, so if you're concerned about approval factors, consider purchasing a pre-made pergola kit that does not require a permit and is easy to set up.

Basement

You'll pay between $1,200 and $2,000 for a basement permit when remodeling. This will factor into the final cost for a basement remodel, which starts at around $12,000.

Basement jobs usually involve installing or altering electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling. The project may also require heavy construction for structural reasons, a new sewer line, or extensive waterproofing.

Window 

To repair or replace existing windows, you may need a permit costing an average of $50 per window. Window standards increase over time to ensure safety and energy efficiency codes are met, especially in commercial buildings.

The good news is that you can purchase permits for windows over the counter on a per-window basis.

Demolition 

Permits for demolition cost $200 on average, although larger cities and high-volume areas may charge much higher prices for demolition permits. Be sure to check with your local authorities to nail down an exact price.

Kitchen Remodel 

Getting a permit to remodel your kitchen costs an average of $1,000, depending on the extent of the work. Extensive wiring, plumbing, or digging into the foundation could drive up the cost, which is usually related to the size of the kitchen.

Swimming Pool 

In-ground pool permits cost $1,250, and above-ground pool permits cost an average of $250. The price may increase for extensive builds around the pool (e.g., adding a patio or walkway, grilling area, etc.).

Building Permit Cost by Project Type

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer; building permits might be required for a project in one city but not in another. Generally, any construction, demolition, or significant renovation to a home or commercial property requires a building permit. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Not getting a permit could result in fines or other legal action.

Below are some specific instances where permits are usually required, as well as things you may need to know about each.

New Construction

A permit is required to construct a new home or other structure. This category includes structures like guest houses, garages, storage buildings, and gazebos. Many areas also require a special building permit for fences and privacy screens set in concrete.

These projects are generally layered, meaning certain pins may have to fall on one section of the project (electrical work approval, for example) before additional work or even permits can be started or obtained. Starting sooner rather than later with obtaining permits is recommended.

Room Additions or Conversion

Adding a room in your home or converting a garage into a livable space almost always requires a building permit. Depending on local codes and ordinances, other projects like constructing a patio, porch, or deck could also require a permit.

Similarly, enclosing a garage or open structure may be considered an addition because it would increase the heated space of the home and require additional electrical work. If electrical wiring is necessary, just assume you'll likely need a permit to do the job.

Major Renovations

From updating an old kitchen to repurposing a garage, large renovations nearly always require a building permit, both for safety and uniformity.

Homeowners who purchase a fixer-upper could get in trouble by not applying for permits to renovate their vintage home or deviating too substantially from submitted renovation plans. Clear plans are necessary for passing inspection.

Structural Changes

Structural changes generally involve alterations to the bones of the structure, including the addition or removal of walls or finishing an attic or basement space. Demolition is another example. These permits can be essential when changing load-bearing portions of the structure. If these portions are altered in an unsatisfactory way, the structure could be unsafe, which would likely cost more to repair than the permits themselves

Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Work

These three areas encompass an enormous amount of potential construction or renovation work and may require separate forms in addition to the actual building permit. These projects include installing outdoor lighting, adding a hot tub, or replacing garage doors.

Some of these projects, such as installing a sophisticated home automation system, may require a permit, depending on the area.

Residential vs. Commercial Building Permit Cost

The process for obtaining building permits is similar for residential and commercial properties. The main difference is that costs are often far higher for commercial properties due to increased property value and the sheer volume of work. It may also take longer for applications to be processed and approved for commercial properties.

In many cases, anywhere from 1% to 5% of the contract's value, in addition to the building permit, applies. These funds go to your city or county, and you should always check specific guidelines before starting a commercial or residential project.

Why Are Permits Needed?

Building permits are essential for public health and safety and help ensure consistent construction quality. They also make property valuation easier for your city or county. First and foremost, it's about safety. Buildings that are constructed, wired, or plumbed improperly can create dangerous conditions affecting more than just the owner or occupants. These risks include fires from faulty wiring, illnesses from poor plumbing, and injuries from structural failures.

How to Get a Permit

To get a building permit, you or your contractor needs to complete the appropriate forms and submit them with fees to your local building department. You can find information on how to obtain a building permit online or by contacting your local building office. For some projects, your local building office might approve the permit when you pay the fee. Others may require a more complex process with revisions or additional reviews before approval. Construction should never begin until after you receive final approval and the building permits are issued.

What Is a Permit Service?

A permit service is a company that handles the building permit application process for you or your contractor. On average, you can expect to pay between $35 and $70 per hour when you hire a building permit service. Here's what they can do for you:

• Fill out paperwork on your behalf

• Track fees and inspections to avoid extra or unnecessary costs

• Streamline the process with expert knowledge of permit requirements

• Let you focus on the enjoyable parts of construction or renovation

Permit services help homeowners save time and avoid fines, stop-work orders, or legal action related to their projects. They're a great option if you'd rather not deal with all the paperwork yourself.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.