Cost of permits and inspections in DC

[Anonymous]

A contractor is quoting us $4,000 for electrical and plumbing permits, incl inspections. This is for a second floor renovation, including two new bathrooms. I was surprised, does it really cost that much?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

That sounds about right. You’ll pay a hefty fine if you work without permits and DCRA finds out.

[Anonymous]

The cost of permits in DC are listed at https://dcra.dc.gov/page/building-permit-fee-schedule I think the fee should be $30+2% of the construction value. Are you planning a 200k 2nd floor renovation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The cost of permits in DC are listed at https://dcra.dc.gov/page/building-permit-fee-schedule I think the fee should be $30+2% of the construction value. Are you planning a 200k 2nd floor renovation?

Thanks! No the costs would be about 110-120k.

And to the PP, we won’t bypass the permits, I was just surprised at the cost and wanted to check if we’re being overcharged

[Anonymous]

They might be adding fees for a third party to pull the construction permit or third party inspectors. Only the contractor can pull the plumbing and electrical permits but the homeowner can pull the general construction permit but it can be time consuming.

[Anonymous]

Late response but the price depends on what Fixtures, backflows, and other plumbing equipment you are adding. Plus 2% of the construction value. I do a lot of work in DC and haven't had a plumbing permit for commercial renovation's exceed 1,500

[Anonymous]

DC allows third-party inspections, most contractors use them because they go much more smoothly. They cost a couple hundred for each required inspection, that could easily be another two grand on a project of this size.