Real Estate Agent · Gaithersburg, MD · Member since 2016 · 9 posts · 1 vote
Hi all, I just bought a new house in PG county, Maryland that needs lots of renovation. Particularly, I want to change a former morning room (which does not have foundation) to a master bedroom (which requires foundation). As far as I know, I need to get the following permits for the project: building, electric, plumbing, H-VAC. Is there any permit that I'm missing? I want to get the building permit myself and let the general contractor get the others. But I am concerned whether I would be held responsible for any aspects of the renovation if anything goes wrong.
Frederick, MD · Member since 2015 · 654 posts · 256 votes
10y
Generally, the Building Permit would need to be obtained first (which, as the owner of the property you may very well be able to do) and the subordinate permits for the specialty trades (plumbing, electrical and HVAC) follow. Unless your GC holds the specialty trade licenses, then they're not likely to be able to pull those permits - their respective subs will have to do it.
Your GC will need to have a MHIC Contractor's license and you'll likely have to let the permit office know who it is and their license number so the information can be attached to the Building Permit.
Ultimately, it's arguable that if you own the place and pull the permit, the buck stops with you.