Help - I need a DC permit expediter

[Anonymous]

Help - I'm thinking about renovating my house in Capitol Hill. Can anyone recommend an expeditor who can help me get building permits from DC gov't?

[Anonymous]

Since I'm hearing crickets, can anyone tell me how to quickly get building permits in DC? I hear it's a lot easier in VA.

[Anonymous]

Go to DCRA (1100 4th st SW) and talk to the guy in the homeowner's service center. He'll walk you through everything and tell you what you need. You can also find most of the basic info online. I was there this am and got a roofing permit (with historic approval) in under an hour.

This is also something your contractor should be able to take care of, if you're using one. They are going to require plans for an extensive reno.

[Anonymous]

OP again - the contractor I was thinking about using said that it's a lot harder to get a permit in DC. Feels like they make some things difficult on purpose. I'm really busy with work. So, I was hoping to hire someone to get the permit for me. Has anyone every done this?

[Anonymous]

Your contractor should be pulling the permits. If they are in your name, instead of your contractor, then YOU are responsible for the long term viability (and liability) of the project. If your contractor isn't willing to do this, run away.

[Anonymous]

We did extensive reno on Capitol Hill home. Our contractor did the permits. It was very quick. I agree that if your contract can't get those you should get a different contractor. That would be a huge red flag for me.

[Anonymous]

Your contractor is just trying to get more money from you, or else he isn't licensed for DC.

[Anonymous]

Your contractor should be getting this done for you as a matter of course.

[Anonymous]

Tash Outlaw

Bill Washington

Jeff Way

Or just go to DCRA and start asking around. That is basically their office and they all know each other.

If the scope of work is large, I'd expect 4 to 5 grand plus the cost of permit fees.

[Anonymous]

run away from that contractor. he should be the one getting the permits (and should know how to do it quickly if he normally works in DC). agree that this is a red flag. I assume you interviewed several contractors. ask the others about permits, so you can have an idea if this is normal (based on my experience is not)

[Anonymous]

Hmm my contractor didn't get the permit for me and he was excellent and of high quality. my architect gave me the plans, i had them printed, i followed the requirements on the DCRA site:
http://dcra.dc.gov/DC/DCRA/Permits/Get+a+Permit/Get+an+Overview+of+the+Permitting+Process

i brought something like 3 copies and it was pretty painless. homeowners get preference (special office) so someone you hire really gets the runaround. the painful part was paying the tax on it (based on the value) so fill that out carefully.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:run away from that contractor. he should be the one getting the permits (and should know how to do it quickly if he normally works in DC). agree that this is a red flag. I assume you interviewed several contractors. ask the others about permits, so you can have an idea if this is normal (based on my experience is not)

You are wrong to assume that the contractor is wrong for having the homeowner pull the permit. It is ALWAYS best for the permit to be in the owners name in case a project falls through before groundbreaking. It gives the homeowner the most protection.

[Anonymous]

It's easier to get DC permits than it was pre-Mayor Williams. Before then, permit "expediting" was a bit like the technique of getting a table from the maitre d' in a hot restaurant.

[Anonymous]

I have a friend who no longer does construction in DC due to permit hassles. But he is very good, just didn't like to waste his time filling out paperwork and then told he had filledthe form out incorrectly and return tothe end ofthe line.

[Anonymous]

Your contractor should pull the permit and include it in the cost. Contractors are pain in the ass, make sure you check their license and have all the paper works.