What permits are needed when working with a general contractor?

Hiring a general contractor can make your home renovation or new build feel a lot less stressful. They help manage the project, bring in the right subcontractors, and keep things on track. But one thing that tends to catch folks off guard is permits. Yes, permits can feel like red tape, but they’re a necessary part of the process. If you’re working with a general contractor in Wenatchee, it’s important to know which permits might come into play. That way, your project won’t hit any unexpected roadblocks.

Why Permits Matter

Permits aren’t just paperwork—they’re about safety and compliance. When a city or county issues a permit, it means someone has reviewed your plans and confirmed they follow local codes. This protects not only you but also future property owners. Without the right permits, you could face fines or be forced to tear down your work. Nobody wants that, especially after investing time and money into a project.

Common Projects That Need Permits

Not every job requires a permit. But the bigger the change, the more likely it is you’ll need one. If you’re doing anything structural—like knocking down walls, building an addition, or changing the footprint of your home—you’ll need permission first. The same goes for electrical and plumbing work. Even putting in a new deck, fence, or driveway might trigger the need for a permit depending on your city’s rules.

Structural Work

Anything that changes the structure of a home is a big deal in the eyes of the city. Adding a second story, moving load-bearing walls, or building a garage all fall into this category. These kinds of jobs almost always require multiple permits and inspections at different stages of the work.

Electrical and Plumbing Changes

Even something as simple as running new wires or updating an old water heater might require a permit. The city wants to be sure the work is done safely. Faulty wiring or plumbing can lead to fires, leaks, and other hazards. So even if your contractor is experienced, the city will still want to double-check the work.

Exterior Additions

Outdoor projects like fences, patios, sheds, and pools often require approval too. If it changes how your property looks or functions, it probably needs a permit. This helps the city keep neighborhoods looking consistent and prevents disputes between neighbors later.

How the Permit Process Works

The process usually starts with an application. Your contractor will submit plans to the local building department. Depending on the type of work, those plans might go through a quick review or get passed around to different departments for approval. This could take a few days or several weeks.

Once approved, the city issues a permit. That’s basically your green light to start the work. But the job’s not done there—inspections come next. An inspector will visit the site at certain points to make sure everything meets code. If something’s off, they’ll let the contractor know what needs fixing.

Who’s Responsible for Getting the Permit?

This is a question that comes up a lot. Usually, the general contractor takes care of it. They know the ins and outs of the local system and what paperwork is needed. Still, it’s smart to confirm this upfront. You don’t want to assume it’s handled, only to find out later that nobody submitted anything.

If you’re doing the work yourself or hired subcontractors directly, then the responsibility might fall on you. Either way, the permit needs to be pulled before the work begins.

Permit Costs and Timelines

Permit fees vary depending on where you live and the type of project. Some are under $100, while others can cost a few thousand. Big projects like a new home or major remodels come with higher fees. It’s a small percentage of the overall cost, but something to keep in mind when budgeting.

As for timing, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to get approved. If your contractor is familiar with the local office, they might be able to speed things up. Still, delays happen—especially during busy construction seasons.

What Happens Without a Permit?

Skipping the permit might sound tempting, especially if you’re trying to cut costs. But it usually backfires. If the city finds out, they can issue stop-work orders or charge fines. In some cases, they might make you tear out finished work and start over. That’s a huge setback nobody wants.

It also creates problems if you sell your home. A sharp-eyed buyer or inspector could spot unpermitted work, which could lower your home’s value or kill the sale altogether.

Wenatchee-Specific Rules

Each city has its own rules, and Wenatchee is no exception. Projects in Wenatchee go through the city’s Community Development Department. Residential work like remodels, additions, and new construction usually needs a building permit. Even HVAC system replacements or water heater upgrades often require inspection.

It’s worth checking with the city directly or asking your contractor if they’ve handled permits in Wenatchee before. A local contractor who knows the ropes can make the whole process smoother.

When in Doubt, Ask

Not sure if your job needs a permit? Just ask. The building department won’t mind—it’s part of their job. A five-minute phone call can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Your general contractor should be able to guide you, but it’s always good to be informed yourself too.

Final Thought

Permits might not be the most exciting part of a home project, but they’re important. They help keep your work legal, safe, and up to code. If you’re working with a general contractor, especially in a place like Wenatchee, make sure permits are part of the conversation from the start. It’s one more way to keep your project running smoothly and avoid headaches later on.