Permits are the part of a remodel homeowners worry about most and see least. This is a general overview, not legal advice — requirements change, and every project is reviewed on its own details.
When a permit is usually required
In San Francisco, work that moves or removes walls, touches structure, adds or relocates plumbing and electrical, or changes the use of a space generally needs a permit from the Department of Building Inspection. Cosmetic work — painting, replacing cabinets in the same location, new flooring — often does not.
Over-the-counter vs. plan review
Smaller, well-defined projects can sometimes be approved the same day. Larger scopes, structural changes and anything affecting the exterior go through plan review, which takes longer and may involve Planning as well.
Why it matters for you
Unpermitted work can surface during a sale, complicate insurance claims and may have to be opened up for inspection later. Building it right the first time is almost always cheaper.
How we handle it
We prepare drawings, submit the application, schedule inspections and keep you updated at each step, so the process runs alongside construction instead of holding it up.
