Permits · engineer letters, plans & calculations
Whatever the building department asked for, we put it in writing.
Missed inspections, covered work, after-the-fact permits, plan reviews, wind and energy calculations. Licensed professional engineers, sealed documents, and the price before you commit.
- 1–2 days
- Typical letter turnaround
- Price first
- Fixed or quoted before work
- 38 states
- Firm licensure + USVI
Which one do I need?
Pick the sentence that sounds like you.
I missed an inspection or the work is already covered
A sealed engineer letter from photos, documents and, when needed, a site visit. The most common permit fix we do.
Engineer letter →Work was done without a permit
After-the-fact letters and affidavits that let the building department close the file.
After-the-fact letter →I have plans and need them sealed
An independent PE reviews the set against the code, works through what falls short, and seals it once it is permit-ready.
Plans review →I need drawings to apply
Structural drawings and calculations for a remodel, addition, porch or new build, under seal.
Engineering plans →The reviewer wants wind or energy calcs
Wind load calculations for doors, windows, roofing and solar; energy code forms (FL R405, Manual J).
Calculations →A product or component needs an engineer
Letters covering specific equipment, components and installations the code or the AHJ wants verified.
Component letter →
How permitting works
Permits exist so someone checks the work.
If you are planning to build or renovate, you will need a permit. Building departments in cities and counties across the country require them for residential and commercial construction, including renovations and many upgrades and installations. Each jurisdiction has its own codes and procedures, but the shape is the same everywhere: an application with complete plans and specifications on the county's forms, a processing fee, and proof the work was done according to the plans, usually a final inspection.
Most codes require a permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building, and for changes to electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems. Work that needs an inspection to verify code compliance needs a permit; separate trade permits may be required even when a building permit is not. When in doubt, ask before the work starts. It is far cheaper than an after-the-fact permit.
Often exempt (varies by jurisdiction)
- Air conditioning and heating unit repairs
- Window A/C unit replacement on existing electrical
- Ceiling fan replacement on an existing box and wiring
- Interior door replacement within a unit
- Gutters and leaders
- Carpet, tile, paint and wallpaper
- Plumbing fixture and residential appliance replacement
- Small non-fire-related drywall repairs (under two sheets)
- Residential playground equipment
- Like-for-like countertop and sink replacement (cabinet replacement usually does need a permit)
- Window repairs
- Drywall in a detached garage without habitable space
Examples only. Your county's list governs; confirm before relying on an exemption.
Steps to permitting
What the application needs, and where we come in.
- 01
Project description
What you plan to do, the scope, and any change to the existing structure.
- 02
Engineering plans
Construction drawings showing the layout and any structural, electrical, mechanical or plumbing work, sealed where the jurisdiction requires it.
- 03
Site plan
Property lines, setbacks, the existing and proposed structure, and anything the zoning reviewer needs to see.
- 04
Calculations and forms
Wind, energy, product approvals and the jurisdiction's own forms, when the work calls for them.
- 05
Fees and submission
Filed by you or your contractor on the county's forms and portal; we answer the reviewer's technical comments.
- 06
Inspections and close-out
Footing, framing, trade and final inspections, or an engineer letter where one was missed.
Engineering plans, calculations, letters and affidavits are ours. Zoning, fees and scheduling are the applicant's. We answer the reviewer's technical comments either way.
Learn
Permits, explained.
Questions
What type of work needs a permit?
Most codes require a permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building, and for changes to electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems. Any work that needs an inspection to verify code compliance needs a permit, and separate trade permits may be required even where a building permit is not.
Will you submit the permit for me?
We prepare everything the application needs: sealed plans, calculations, letters and the jurisdiction's forms. Submission, fees and scheduling are done by the owner or contractor on the county portal; we stay on to answer the plan reviewer's technical comments.
How fast can I get an engineer letter?
Most letters issue within 1–2 business days of a complete record. The intake tells you exactly which photos and documents make the record complete before you pay anything.
Which states?
Firm licensure in 38 states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands. The intake checks your property's state first.
Ready?