Permits · Plan check · Inspections
Build it right. Build it legal.
A building permit isn’t just paperwork. It means a city inspector has checked that the work is safe and built to code — and it protects you when you insure, refinance or sell your home.
← Back to homeWhy it matters
What a permit protects
Most construction in California — additions, ADUs, structural changes, new electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, and many remodels — requires a permit from your city or county.
Your family’s safety
Inspectors check foundations, framing, wiring, plumbing, gas lines and fire safety at key stages — before walls are closed up and problems are hidden.
Your home’s value
Permitted space counts. Unpermitted additions or ADUs can lower appraisals and may not be counted as legal living space.
Selling without trouble
Sellers are expected to disclose known unpermitted work. Buyers, inspectors and lenders often find it — and it can delay or cancel a sale.
Insurance coverage
If damage is traced to unpermitted work, an insurance claim may be questioned or denied.
Avoiding fines and rework
Cities can issue stop-work orders and penalties, and may require walls to be opened or work removed so it can be inspected.
Rental income for ADUs
A permitted ADU can be legally rented. An unpermitted one can bring code-enforcement problems instead of income.
Common permits
What your project may need
The exact permits depend on your project and your city. We find out what’s required and handle it for you.
- Building
- New homes, additions, ADUs, structural changes and most remodels.
- Planning & zoning
- Confirms setbacks, height and lot rules — often reviewed before the building permit.
- Electrical
- New circuits, panel upgrades, EV chargers and rewiring.
- Plumbing
- New fixtures, moved drains, water heaters, gas lines and sewer work.
- Mechanical
- Heating, air conditioning, ducts and ventilation.
- Demolition & grading
- Removing structures, moving soil and controlling drainage on the site.
Some properties also need other approvals — for example coastal development review near the coast, or HOA approval. We’ll tell you up front what applies to your property.
How we do it
We handle the permit process
Permits can take weeks or months and several rounds of corrections. We manage it from start to finish so you don’t have to deal with the city yourself.
- STEP 01
Check requirements
We find out which permits and approvals your project and property need.
- STEP 02
Prepare the plans
Architectural and structural drawings prepared to the city’s requirements. Why design matters →
- STEP 03
Submit to the city
We submit the plans, forms and documents and pay attention to every detail.
- STEP 04
Plan-check corrections
We respond to the city’s comments and resubmit until the plans are approved.
- STEP 05
Permit issued
We pull the permit — construction can start legally.
- STEP 06
Inspections & final
We schedule and pass every inspection through final sign-off, so your project is fully closed out.
Let’s plan your project the right way.
Tell us what you want to build. We’ll meet at your property and explain the next steps — design, engineering, permits and construction under one contract.