Should Our Contractor Pull our Building Permit or Should We?

[Corey Dutton]

When doing any remodeling work on a property we’ve taken back, we’ve always pulled our own building permits and then had our designated contractor do the work. However, I recently read something about this and it said that the contractor should be the one to pull the permits. The reason given was that the person who pulls the permit is the one responsible for making sure the job is done correctly.

We’ve had contractors who have insisted that we pull our own permits to save them time. But what if a worker is injured or damages someone else’s personal property while doing the work? Does the liability fall on us or on the contractor if we pulled our own permit? Please share any experience you’ve had with this

[Karen Margrave]

It would depend on many factors, and could vary from state to state, city to city, but "generally speaking" 1. When you pull the permits does it ask the name of the "general contractor" or 2. Are you acting as the general contractor, hiring all subs, etc.? If you hire a "licensed general contractor", they are responsible for everything that happens under their watch. If on the other hand you are acting as the general contractor, then you are responsible for all the work and liability under you. But, whoever is on the permit is the one that is responsible for things getting done to obtain the notice of completion and or to obtain occupancy. PLEASE NOTE: If you aren't sure who is responsible for what, get advice from your attorney so as not to open yourself up to a costly liability lawsuit.