Find your authority. Ask the right questions.

When to use this workflow

• →Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural, roofing, water heater, gas, solar, or major remodel work.
• →Anything you suspect might need an inspection.
• →Before paying a contractor who says “don’t worry about the permit.”

When not to use this workflow

• ×Pure cosmetic work that doesn’t touch a regulated system.
• ×Routine maintenance (filter change, faucet aerator, bulb replacement).

What the route will ask

1. 01
   Work you’re planning or just completed
2. 02
   City + county + state
3. 03
   Who is doing the work

   Yourself, licensed contractor, handyman.

4. 04
   Whether the property is single-family, condo, multifamily, or rental

What happens, step by step

1. 01
   Identify the likely authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) — city or county building department, utility, HOA, fire marshal.
2. 02
   List the questions to ask the AHJ before work starts.
3. 03
   List which trades likely need licensure in this jurisdiction.
4. 04
   List the inspections likely required, in order.
5. 05
   Note that codes change — verify the current edition adopted by your jurisdiction.
6. 06
   Document the contact info and ticket / permit number for your home record.

What the route produces

• →Probable AHJ contact (department, phone, web).
• →Questions to ask before work starts.
• →Likely required permits.
• →Likely required inspections.
• →Licensing questions for the contractor.
• →Document trail for your home record.

Related workflows

• Hire a Pro

  Licensure is a hire-a-pro question.

• Estimate Review

  Permit responsibility is in the contract.