Permitting
Understanding the Permitting Process for Home Remodels & Additions
Everything homeowners need to know—from costs to timelines to why it’s worth the hassle
When homeowners think about remodeling, they often picture cabinets, paint swatches, and Pinterest boards—not paperwork. But in reality, the permitting process is one of the most critical (and sometimes confusing) parts of any major home improvement.
At Ray’s Renovations, we believe in clarity. Whether you're remodeling a kitchen, building a new deck, or adding a room to your home, understanding the permitting process helps set realistic expectations and reduces surprises down the road.
This guide walks you through:
- What permits are and why they matter
- How the process works in general
- How permitting requirements vary by city or county
- Typical fees and costs (including plans, engineering, and more)
- Common homeowner FAQs
What Is a Permit and Why Is It Required?
A permit is official approval from your local building department that ensures your project complies with current building codes, safety regulations, and zoning laws. The purpose is to:
Protect you and your family from structural or electrical hazards
Ensure your improvements don’t negatively affect neighbors or property lines
Prevent future issues with insurance claims or home sales
Failing to get a permit when one is required can lead to stop-work orders, fines, denial of insurance coverage, or costly rework later if you sell your home.
How the Permitting Process Works (In General)
While the exact process varies by jurisdiction, here’s a general breakdown:
1. Design & Planning
Before you can apply, you’ll need a detailed plan of what you intend to build. This might involve:
Floor plans, elevations, or structural details
Site plans showing property boundaries
Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC schematics (for certain jobs)
Depending on the project, you may also need engineered drawings stamped by a licensed structural engineer.
At Ray’s Renovations: Our planning and retainer phase includes gathering all this information, coordinating with engineers, and handling prep work for permit submission.
2. Application Submission
Your contractor (or in some cases, the homeowner) submits the permit application with supporting documents to your city or county building department.
You'll typically need to identify:
The property’s address and parcel info
Type of project (e.g. addition, deck, remodel)
Contractor license information
Estimated project cost
3. Review & Revisions
The building department reviews your plans to ensure they comply with zoning, setbacks, structural codes, flood zone rules, energy codes, and more. They may:
Approve the plans
Request clarifications or changes
Route them through multiple departments (e.g., zoning, fire, environmental)
This review period can take 1–6 weeks, depending on complexity, staffing, and your city or county's backlog.
4. Permit Issuance
Once approved and fees are paid, the permit is issued. Your contractor can then begin construction. Note that some permits require additional documents to be posted on-site or available for inspection.
5. Inspections
During the project, a building inspector will visit at key milestones to verify that the work matches the approved plans and complies with code.
Common inspections include:
Slab/foundation inspection
Framing
Electrical rough-in
Final walkthrough
Local Variances: Why It Depends on Where You Live
Every municipality has its own rules, timelines, and requirements. For example:
LocationNotes
St. Johns CountyRequires engineered drawings for most structural additions or decks. Typically efficient permitting turnaround.
Putnam CountyOften slower turnaround time. May require additional environmental review depending on site.
Orlando / Orange CountyMore complex zoning overlays, flood zone considerations, and plan review layers.
Seminole CountyFrequently requires structural calcs even for standard additions. Responsive but detailed review.
What Does Permitting Cost?
Let’s break down the typical fees associated with permitting a medium-to-large renovation or addition:
Item
Cost Range
Building Permit Fee (based on value/sqft)
$150–$800+
Plan Review Fees
$50–$250
Structural Engineering (Stamped Drawings)
$600–$2,000+
Architectural Drafting (if needed)
$500–$2,500
Soil Tests (if required for footings/slabs)
$450–$950
Survey or Site Plan (if not already available)
$300–$900
Impact Fees (common in additions/new builds)
Varies widely by jurisdiction
Utility Coordination (if adjustments are needed)
$100–$400
Typical Total: $1,200–$5,000+
The more complex your project, the higher the front-end costs—but permitting also protects you, your investment, and your resale value.
Your contractor (or in some cases, the homeowner) submits the permit application with supporting documents to your city or county building department.
You'll typically need to identify:
The property’s address and parcel info
Type of project (e.g. addition, deck, remodel)
Contractor license information
Estimated project cost
Common Homeowner Questions
“Do I really need a permit?”
If you're doing anything structural, electrical, or involving plumbing—yes. Cosmetic-only changes (like painting or cabinet refacing) usually don’t require permits. But if you're unsure, ask your contractor or check your local building department.
“Can I get the permit myself to save money?”
In Florida, homeowners can pull their own permits, but they also assume full liability. That means you're legally responsible for all construction quality, injuries, and code violations. We strongly recommend having your licensed contractor pull the permit.
“How long does it take to get a permit?”
Anywhere from 5 days to 6 weeks, depending on:
- Your municipality
- Type of project
- Whether revisions are needed
- Whether outside agencies (e.g., zoning, floodplain) are involved
“What happens if I build without one?”
You could face:
- Stop-work orders
- Fines and penalties
- Forced demolition or redo
- Insurance claim denial
- Legal or resale issues down the line
Final Thoughts
Permitting isn’t the most exciting part of remodeling—but it’s one of the most important. It protects you, your family, and your investment.
At Ray’s Renovations, we handle all aspects of the permitting process—from coordination with engineers and architects to final inspection sign-offs—so you don’t have to.