Are you planning a new construction project or making changes to an existing property? Regardless of the scope of the project, you may need a Houston building permit before any work can begin.
Finding information about the right building permit can be tough. Houston’s permitting center website isn’t effortless to navigate, and most sizable projects require multiple permits and inspections in order to follow code. If you want your project to go off without a hitch, you’ll need to do it right, which can be quite the undertaking.
If that sounds like more work than you want to do, don’t fret. Permit expediters can help you through the process so you can obtain your building permit with ease. Let’s talk about how they work.
What is a Houston permit expediter?
Working with an expediter is like having an agent on the inside — someone who knows where to get information and also navigate the ins and outs of the system. A Houston permit expediter has experience applying for and obtaining the permits needed for a given project, helping you get through the application process and even dealing with the Houston Permitting Center on your behalf.
Here's what a permit expediter typically does:
- Find out which permits your project needs
- Fill out all the necessary forms for you, or guide you through the process
- Leverage their relationship with city officials to expedite your process
- Keep track of your application to make sure it doesn't get stuck somewhere
- Reduce stress and save time
Most expediters have experience with multiple project types, so they know how to handle the complications people encounter when applying for permits.
Pros and cons of using a permit expediter
Like anything in life, using a permit expediter has its good points and not-so-good points. Let's break them down:
Pros
- Saves time: You don't have to figure out every detail of the complicated permit process on your own.
- Reduces stress: City rules can be frustrating, but an expediter handles that for you.
- Faster results: Expediters often know how to get permits approved more quickly.
- Fewer mistakes: They're less likely to make errors that could slow down your project.
- Expert knowledge: They stay up-to-date on changing rules and requirements.
Cons
- Extra cost: Hiring an expediter means spending more money on your project—sometimes a lot more.
- Less control: You're trusting someone else to handle an important part of your project, and they don’t always communicate as much as you would like.
- Not always necessary: For simple projects, you might be able to handle permits yourself.
- Limited expertise: Most Houston permit expediters only have knowledge of permitting in Harris County — they won’t be able to help you with projects outside that municipality.
- Limited attention: Permit expediters typically juggle multiple projects, which means they might not be able to give yours the attention it deserves.
Houston permit expediter cost
The peace of mind that comes with an expediter comes at a price that varies depending on the size and scope of your project, as well as the experience of your expediter. Some charge by the hour, others charge a flat fee.
In Houston, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $200 per hour for a permit expediter. Flat fees can range from a few hundred dollars for a simple project to several thousand for something more complex.
Do I need a building permit in Houston?
In Houston, you usually need a building permit for any construction, repair, or alteration that changes the structure of a building.
This includes things like:
- Adding a room to an existing building
- Putting up a fence
- Installing a new roof
- Adding a swimming pool
- Making major electrical or plumbing changes
But not every project requires a permit. For example, you can typically paint a house, replace carpeting, or do minor repairs without getting approval beforehand.
If you're not sure, though, just schedule an appointment with the Houston Permitting Center to figure out exactly what you need.
Which permits do I need for my project?
Different projects require different permits. Building a pool will require different permits than, say, putting up a fence.
Here are some common types of permits in Houston:
- Building: The main permit for construction or major renovations
- Electrical: Required for any electrical work, like adding new outlets or rewiring
- Plumbing: For installing or changing pipes, water heaters, or other plumbing systems
- Mechanical: Covers things like air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems
- Fire protection: For installing or changing fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or other fire safety equipment
- Sign: For putting up a new business sign
- Fence: Needed for building a new fence or replacing an old one
- Swimming pool: If you're installing a new pool or spa
You’ll probably need multiple permits for your project. Again, a permit expediter can help you figure out exactly which ones you need, and they can help to make sure you don't miss anything important.
How do I apply for a Houston building permit?
If you decide to apply for a permit yourself (without an expediter), here's a general idea of how to proceed:
- Gather your documents: Locate things like your property details, project plans, and contractor information.
- Fill out the application: Find the right application on the Houston Permitting Center website or get it in person at their office.
- Submit your application: You can do this online, by mail, or in person at the Permitting Center.
- Pay the fees: The cost will depend on your project type and size.
- Wait for review: City officials will check your application and plans.
- Make corrections if needed: You may be asked to make changes to your application.
- Get your permit: Once everything's approved, you'll receive your permit.
How do I contact the Houston Permitting Center?
The Permitting Center is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Here’s how to get in contact:
- Address: 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002
- Phone: 832-394-9000
- Email: rmcacd@houstontx.gov
- Website: www.houstonpermittingcenter.org
Don’t hire a permit expediter — use PermitFlow instead
Permit expediters can be expensive and hard to deal with. PermitFlow offers an alternative—a software-based permit service that helps you apply for your permit and monitor the approval process.
With a database that spans the country, PermitFlow can handle projects of all sizes and scopes without the need to hire multiple consultants. Whether you're building a brand-new home or just adding a new feature to your property, PermitFlow handles everything from gathering documents to checking in with city officials.
Talk with our permitting experts today for professional guidance tailored to your project.
