Pulling Permits: Contractor vs. Owner-Builder 

Responsibility Area	Owner-Builder	Contractor
Permit Application	Homeowner	Contractor
Project Supervision	Homeowner	Contractor
Inspection Scheduling	Homeowner	Contractor
Code Compliance	Homeowner	Contractor
Worker Liability	Homeowner	Contractor
Application Accuracy	Varies	Higher
Approval Timeline	Slower	Faster

Responsibilities of an Owner-Builder After Pulling a Permit

When a homeowner pulls a permit as an owner-builder, they take full responsibility for the project. This applies even if licensed subcontractors are hired for certain parts of the work.

In simple terms, the city views the homeowner as the contractor in charge. That means the owner must manage the job from start to finish. This responsibility goes beyond applying for the permit. It continues through construction and final inspection.

Managing Subcontractors

Owner-builders often hire licensed tradespeople for tasks such as:

• Electrical work

• Plumbing installation

• Roofing

• HVAC systems

• Framing

However, even when subcontractors are involved, the homeowner remains responsible for:

• Hiring qualified workers

• Verifying licenses

• Scheduling work

• Confirming code compliance

If a subcontractor makes an error, the property owner may still be held responsible for correcting it.

Scheduling Required Inspections

Most permitted projects require inspections at different stages. These may include:

• Foundation inspection

• Framing inspection

• Electrical inspection

• Plumbing inspection

• Final inspection

Owner-builders must:

• Contact the city to schedule inspections

• Confirm work is ready for review

• Be present during inspections when required

Missing an inspection can delay the project. In some cases, work may need to be reopened for review.

Ensuring Code Compliance

Construction work must meet local building codes. These codes apply to:

• Structural safety

• Electrical systems

• Plumbing systems

• Fire protection

• Ventilation

Owner-builders must confirm that all work meets these standards. If the project fails inspection, corrections must be made before approval. This can increase project costs and extend timelines.

Handling Materials and Documentation

Owner-builders are also responsible for:

• Purchasing approved materials

• Keeping project documents

• Providing updated plans when needed

• Tracking inspection reports

If plans change during construction, revised drawings may need to be submitted to the building department. Without proper documentation, the permit process may pause.

Worker Safety and Liability

Hiring workers brings added responsibility. Owner-builders may need to:

• Confirm worker insurance coverage

• Follow labor laws

• Maintain a safe job site

• Prevent construction hazards

If an injury occurs on site, the property owner could be held financially responsible. This is one of the most important risks associated with owner-builder permits.

Responsibilities of Contractors When Pulling Permits

When a contractor pulls the permit, they become responsible for managing the construction process. This helps reduce the workload placed on the homeowner. It also allows experienced professionals to manage city requirements and project timelines.

Permit Application Process

Contractors usually handle:

• Preparing permit applications

• Submitting construction plans

• Paying required fees

• Communicating with city officials

Because contractors submit permits regularly, they are often familiar with local approval processes. This experience may help reduce application errors.

Compliance With Local Building Codes

Licensed contractors are expected to follow building codes at every stage of construction. This includes:

• Using approved materials

• Installing systems correctly

• Meeting safety standards

• Preparing for inspections

Contractors must address any correction notices issued by the city. This helps ensure the project meets all requirements before completion.

Managing Inspection Timelines

Contractors typically:

• Schedule inspections

• Prepare the job site for review

• Confirm that work meets standards

• Make corrections if needed

Because they manage the timeline, contractors can help keep the project on schedule. This is especially helpful for larger projects with multiple inspections.

Liability Coverage and Insurance

Licensed contractors usually carry:

• General liability insurance

• Workers’ compensation coverage

This helps protect both the contractor and the property owner from financial risk. If an issue occurs during construction, insurance coverage may help manage related costs.

Contractor vs Owner-Builder — Key Differences

Choosing who should pull the permit depends on:

• Project size

• Construction experience

• Timeline expectations

• Risk tolerance

Understanding the differences between these options can help property owners make an informed decision.

Table: Permit Responsibility Comparison

Risk and Oversight

With a contractor-pulled permit:

• The contractor supervises the project

• Inspection coordination is handled

• Compliance issues are addressed by the contractor

With an owner-builder permit:

• The homeowner manages scheduling

• Code compliance becomes their responsibility

• Worker safety oversight falls on the owner

This is why many property owners seek permit consulting support when acting as owner-builders.

Pros and Cons of Pulling Your Own Permit

Some homeowners choose to apply for the building permit themselves. At first, this may seem like a simple way to stay in control of the project. It can also appear to reduce costs. However, acting as an owner-builder comes with both benefits and risks.

Benefits of Owner-Builder Permits

Pulling your own permit may offer:

• More control over project decisions

• Flexibility in hiring subcontractors

• Direct communication with inspectors

• Possible savings on contractor fees

• Greater involvement in scheduling

For smaller projects, this approach may work well if the homeowner has time to manage the process. It can also help those who prefer to supervise construction work themselves.

Risks of Owner-Builder Permits

At the same time, owner-builder permits can create challenges. These may include:

• Legal responsibility for construction work

• Financial liability for worker injuries

• Failed inspections due to code errors

• Delays caused by incomplete applications

• Difficulty understanding city requirements

Permit corrections often extend project timelines. If plans are rejected during review, revisions must be submitted again. This can delay approval by several weeks. Homeowners may also need to schedule multiple inspections. Missing one inspection can slow progress further.

Pros and Cons of Letting a Contractor Pull the Permit

Many property owners prefer to let a licensed contractor handle the permit process. This allows experienced professionals to manage documentation and approvals.

Advantages of Contractor-Pulled Permits

Contractor-applied permits often provide:

• Better understanding of permit requirements

• Accurate application submissions

• Inspection scheduling support

• Code-compliant construction

• Reduced legal risk for homeowners

Contractors are familiar with local procedures. This may help avoid delays caused by missing information. In addition, contractors often manage communication with the building department. This helps keep the approval process moving.

Possible Downsides

There are still a few considerations. Contractor-pulled permits may involve:

• Higher upfront project costs

• Less direct homeowner oversight

• Contractor-managed timelines

Even so, many property owners find that professional oversight helps reduce long-term project risks.

Common Permit Mistakes Owner-Builders Make

Applying for a permit without experience can lead to simple but costly errors. Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Submitting incomplete applications

• Using outdated construction plans

• Hiring unlicensed subcontractors

• Missing inspection deadlines

• Failing to meet zoning requirements

• Incorrect project descriptions

• Not updating revised drawings

Each of these issues can delay approval. In some cases, the city may require additional documentation before continuing the review process.

Table: Common Permit Application Errors and Their Impact

Many of these problems can be avoided with proper application preparation. Permit consulting support from JDJ Consulting helps confirm that project documents are submitted correctly before review begins.

How Permit Delays Affect Construction Projects

Permit delays are one of the most common reasons construction projects fall behind schedule. Many property owners expect work to begin soon after submitting an application. In reality, approval timelines depend on document accuracy, plan review, and inspection scheduling. Even small errors can slow down the process. When a permit is delayed, it affects every part of the project.

Project Timeline Extensions

Most construction work cannot begin without permit approval. If the application is incomplete or under review, the project may remain on hold.

This can delay:

• Material delivery

• Subcontractor scheduling

• Equipment rentals

• Construction start dates

If corrections are required, the revised plans must be submitted again for review. Each revision may add several days or weeks to the timeline.

Increased Labor Costs

Permit delays often increase labor costs. Subcontractors may need to:

• Reschedule work

• Adjust timelines

• Return at a later date

Some contractors charge additional fees for schedule changes. As a result, project expenses may rise before construction even begins.

Inspection Rescheduling Issues

After work begins, inspections must take place at different stages. If the permit approval process takes longer than expected, inspection appointments may also be delayed. Missing an inspection window can:

• Stop progress

• Require work to be reopened

• Extend completion dates

In some cases, new inspections must be scheduled again.

Failed Plan Checks

Plan review is an important step in the permit process. During this stage, the city reviews:

• Construction drawings

• Project scope

• Structural details

• Safety compliance

If the plans do not meet requirements, corrections will be requested. Revisions must then be submitted before the application can move forward. This back-and-forth process is a common source of delay for owner-builders.

When Should Homeowners Pull Their Own Permits?

Owner-builder permits may be suitable for certain types of projects. This option is often used when:

• The project is small in scope

• The homeowner has construction knowledge

• Licensed trades are hired for specific tasks

• The timeline is flexible

Examples may include:

• Interior remodeling

• Minor non-structural changes

• Cosmetic upgrades

• Small accessory structures

Homeowners who choose this option should be prepared to manage:

• Permit applications

• Inspection scheduling

• Code compliance

Acting as an owner-builder requires careful planning and ongoing supervision.

When Should Contractors Pull the Permit Instead?

For larger or more complex projects, contractor-applied permits may be the better choice. This is especially true when the work involves:

• Structural changes

• Electrical upgrades

• Plumbing systems

• Mechanical installations

• Commercial tenant improvements

• Multi-trade construction

Contractors can manage:

• Permit documentation

• Plan submissions

• Inspection scheduling

• Code compliance

This may help reduce approval delays and inspection issues.

Table: Estimated Permit Processing Time by Application Type

Permit expediting services, such as those offered by JDJ Consulting, help both property owners and contractors reduce processing time by confirming that all documents are submitted correctly.

How Permit Expediters Help Both Contractors and Owner-Builders

Whether a permit is pulled by a contractor or a property owner, the approval process can still take time. Applications often move through:

• Initial intake

• Plan review

• Department approvals

• Inspection scheduling

Each step must be completed before construction can begin. Permit expediters help manage this process from start to finish.

Application Preparation

Permit applications must include:

• Project scope details

• Construction drawings

• Property information

• Contractor license data (if applicable)

• Supporting documents

If any part of the application is incomplete, the review process may stop. Permit expediters review documents before submission. This helps reduce errors that may lead to rejection or delays.

Document Submission

Submitting permit documents is not always a one-step process. Some projects require approval from multiple departments, such as:

• Zoning

• Planning

• Building safety

• Fire prevention

Permit expediters help confirm that:

• Plans are submitted to the correct department

• Required forms are included

• Supporting documents are attached

This helps keep the application moving through the review process.

Plan Check Coordination

During plan review, city officials may request corrections. These comments may relate to:

• Structural details

• Electrical systems

• Mechanical layouts

• Site plans

Permit expediters track these comments and help coordinate responses. Revised plans can then be submitted for continued review. This reduces back-and-forth delays that may extend approval timelines.

City Approval Follow-Ups

Permit approvals often depend on department workload. Applications may remain under review until updates are requested.

Permit expediters follow up with city staff to:

• Check application status

• Confirm review progress

• Request updates when needed

This helps prevent unnecessary waiting periods. JDJ Consulting provides permit expediting support for both contractors and property owners. Their services help reduce delays caused by incomplete submissions or missed documentation.

Contractor vs Owner-Builder Permit Timeline Comparison

Permit timelines depend on:

• Project size

• Application accuracy

• Plan review requirements

• Inspection scheduling

Contractors are often familiar with local approval procedures. This may allow them to submit complete applications. Owner-builders may need more time to gather documents or revise plans.

Table: Permit Timeline Comparison

Permit consulting services help both application types move forward more efficiently. By confirming document accuracy before submission, expediters reduce delays caused by missing or incorrect information.

Final Thoughts — Choosing the Right Permit Application Approach

Deciding who should pull the permit depends on:

• Project complexity

• Timeline expectations

• Construction experience

• Risk tolerance

Owner-builders may prefer direct project control. Contractors may provide professional oversight and manage compliance requirements. For either approach, proper application preparation is important. Incomplete submissions or missed inspections can delay construction and increase project costs.

Permit expediting support from JDJ Consulting helps:

• Prepare required documents

• Submit applications

• Coordinate plan reviews

• Follow up with city departments

This helps both contractors and property owners move forward with fewer delays.

Get Help With Your Building Permit Application

Applying for a building permit can take time. Missing documents or incorrect forms often delay approval before work even begins.

JDJ Consulting helps:

• Homeowners acting as owner-builders

• Licensed contractors

• Property developers

Our team prepares and submits building permit applications, coordinates plan reviews, and follows up with city departments. This helps reduce delays caused by incomplete or incorrect submissions.

Learn more about our permit expediting services: https://jdj-consulting.com/services/

Starting with the right application helps keep your project on schedule.

FAQs: Contractor vs. Owner-Builder