People make upgrades to their homes all the time; DIY projects have increased significantly during the pandemic. But how do you know when you need to get a permit for your project? This is one of the most common questions I get. This article provides an overview of when you need a permit but remember that there are always exceptions, and this is not an exhaustive list. When our clients do projects, we guide them through the entire process, recommend trusted vendors, and verify all requirements with the city and county of Honolulu.
First of all, it’s important to understand why obtaining a building permit is important. Permits keep you and your investment safe. They ensure that work is being done to code and all safety regulations are followed. When it comes time to sell, it can be costly to upgrade work that was done without a permit to bring it up to code.
3 Times You Need a Permit on Oahu
- Electrical Work
- Plumbing Work
- Projects Over $1500*
*Includes labor and materials but not GE tax
Projects that Don’t Require a Permit:
- Painting
- Cabinet work
- Floor coverings
- Sheds under 120 sq ft
- Repairs less than $1500 over a 12-month period
Projects that Do Require a Permit:
- New construction
- Demolition
- Walls
- Fences
- Driveways
- Signage
- Temporary structures
- Sheds of 120 sq ft or more
Getting a permit
- Submit plans for your project, apply for permit, get plans approved, purchase permit
- There could be inspections before, during, and after construction
Cost
- Depends on what kind of project you will be doing
Wait Time
- Depends on the project and the zoning
- Permit will be good for 180 days, depending on where you live
- The wait could be long so make sure you plan for that
Here is a link to the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting website
The Concierge Department at Caron B Realty keeps a list of regularly updated trusted vendors for all kinds of real estate services, including renovation projects. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or recommendations for handymen, contractors, or renovation companies at concierge@caronb.com or call our office at (808) 593-9826
