Navigating the ins and outs of planning permission can be daunting. In fact, for many people the stress of such a process can put them off pursuing a building project altogether. That’s where permit expediters come in. These are expert consultants who understand the paperwork required by a city planning office and can help you to file such a permit request without the frustration, time commitment and expense. The goal is a better construction experience.

Interest in renovating is growing. As much as 40% of home owners have plans to renovate this year. Remodeling of a room was the renovation of choice for 31% of households, making it the most popular options. Planning permit requirements can differ from city to city and from state to state. Fees can vary wildly, starting at less than $100 to over $1,000. These are dependent on the location as well as the scope, value, size, and type of work that you want done. For a contractor getting a permit approved can cost $200 to $400, while a large project could cost between $1,500 and $3,500.

Permit expediters can help you with everything from shed permits to residential building permits. Solar permits are also increasing in popularity with commercial installation having increased over 487% over a five year period. Residential installations are also gaining in popularity.

Permit expediters also keep up to date with the latest changes to codes. The International Code Council (ICC), which drafts construction codes, updates its editions every three years and offer a set of 15 integrated, topical, geographically specific model codes. These include the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Existing Building Code (IEBC). The scope of these codes varies. Some may include indoor air quality, for example, since we now spend roughly 90% of our lives inside.

Using a permit expediter can also speed up the process of filing a plan since the expediter understands the requirements and is less likely to supply incorrect or incomplete documentation. On average, the Buildings Department estimates that it takes about 3.8 days between filing a plan package and meeting with an examiner. The process is hassle free and much easier than doing it yourself, especially if you are requesting a permit for unusual or complicated renovations or construction.