When obtaining building permits for a renovation project in Philadelphia, you may find yourself weighing the pros and cons of using a Philadelphia permit expediter or letting your contractor handle the process. Understanding the differences between these two options will help you make an informed decision.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the roles of a permit expediter and a contractor in the permit process, highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each, and explore when it makes sense to let your experienced contractor handle the permits. Let’s get started!
What Does a Philadelphia Permit Expediter Do?
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) defines the role of a permit expediter as follows: “Expediters file applications with the Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) on behalf of property owners or represent them at board hearings. Expediters must have an Expediter’s License.”
A Philadelphia permit expediter is a professional who specializes in managing the city’s complex permitting system. Their primary role is to help property owners, developers, and contractors obtain building permits quickly and efficiently by streamlining the application process. They are experts in local zoning laws, building codes, and permit regulations, which makes them particularly valuable for projects with tight deadlines or complex requirements.
The primary advantage of using a permit expediter is that they focus exclusively on securing permits. They are adept at identifying the necessary documentation, ensuring all information is submitted correctly, and navigating any challenges during the approval process. For larger or more complicated projects, a Philadelphia permit expediter can save you time and frustration by reducing the likelihood of delays caused by errors or missing paperwork.
What Does a Contractor Do in the Permit Process?
While a permit expediter focuses solely on obtaining permits, a contractor’s responsibilities go beyond securing the necessary approvals. Contractors manage and execute your property’s construction or renovation work, overseeing everything from planning and budgeting to labor and material procurement. Many experienced contractors, like Matrix Construction, are well-versed in the local permit process and can handle it as part of their broader responsibilities.
When you work with a seasoned contractor, they will often manage your entire permit process. This is where experience comes in. An experienced contractor understands local building codes and can quickly navigate the permit application process. In many cases, having your contractor handle the permits can be more convenient and cost-effective, especially if they are familiar with the specific requirements for your type of project.
Why is Your Contractor a Better Choice for Handling Permits?
Now that we’ve outlined the roles of a Philadelphia permit expediter and a contractor, let’s delve into the key differences between the two when it comes to securing permits:
1. Specialization
A permit expediter’s primary role is to obtain permits. They specialize in navigating the local permit system, which can benefit complex projects. On the other hand, contractors, especially experienced ones, handle permits as part of their overall project management responsibilities, with a broader focus on the construction process.
2. Convenience
When you hire an experienced contractor, you don’t need to worry about managing multiple professionals. The contractor can handle everything, including the permits. This integrated approach can be more convenient than working with a contractor and a permit expediter. In contrast, if you hire a separate Philadelphia permit expediter, you must coordinate between the expediter and the contractor, adding another layer of communication and cost.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
Contractors often include the permit process in their service package, meaning you won’t need to pay for a separate permit expediter. This can save you money for straightforward projects while still getting the permits secured quickly. On the other hand, permit expediters charge a separate fee for their services, which can be a worthwhile investment for highly complex or large-scale projects.
4. Speed
A Philadelphia permit expediter may have more experience dealing with complex permits and navigating city bureaucracy, which can expedite the process for challenging projects. However, suppose your contractor is experienced in the local permit process. In that case, they can often secure permits just as quickly, especially for more typical residential projects.
When Should You Use a Philadelphia Permit Expediter?
There are certain situations where hiring a Philadelphia permit expediter makes sense:
- Large, Complex Projects: A permit expediter’s specialized knowledge can be invaluable for major commercial or multi-family projects that involve multiple types of permits and approvals.
- Tight Deadlines: If you’re facing strict deadlines, a permit expediter can help you get your permits faster by focusing exclusively on the application process.
- Complicated Zoning or Building Code Issues: Projects that involve special zoning variances, historical buildings, or unique building code requirements may benefit from the expertise of a permit expediter.
- Contractor’s Inability: If getting permits is not part of your contract with your contractor, or you think the contractor is not experienced enough to pull the permits quickly, you can consider hiring a permit expediter.
When Should You Let Your Contractor Handle the Permits?
Letting your contractor handle the permit process can be the most convenient and cost-effective option. Here’s why:
- Straightforward Projects: An experienced contractor can easily manage the permits for typical residential renovations or additions. Contractors like Matrix Construction are familiar with the specific requirements for everyday projects and can streamline the process.
- Experienced Contractor: If you work with a professional contractor, you can trust them to handle the permit process, even for complex projects. There’s often no need to pay extra for a permit expediter.
Matrix Construction: Your One-Stop Solution for Permits and Renovation
At Matrix Construction, we offer more than just top-tier renovation services. We take care of the entire permit process as part of our comprehensive project management. Whether renovating a kitchen, adding a new floor, or upgrading your property, you won’t need to worry about the permits. We handle everything from start to finish, so you don’t need to hire a separate Philadelphia permit expediter. We are your Philadelphia permit expediter!
With years of experience in Philadelphia’s permit process, we know exactly what paperwork is required, which approvals to seek, and how to navigate the system efficiently. We understand that delays can be costly, and we aim to keep your project on schedule by securing permits quickly and without complications.
By working with Matrix Construction, you save both time and money. You won’t need to pay for an additional permit expediter, and you’ll benefit from having one point of contact throughout the renovation process. We take the hassle out of permits, allowing you to focus on your vision for the project while we handle the logistics.
The Bottom Line
When deciding between a Philadelphia permit expediter and a contractor for your project, the best option depends on the work’s complexity and the contractor’s experience. For simple projects, or if you’re working with an experienced contractor, having your contractor handle the permits is often more convenient and cost-effective. Hiring a separate permit expediter is unnecessary when your contractor can manage the process efficiently.
At Matrix Construction, we pride ourselves on managing every aspect of your renovation, including permits. Our extensive experience in the Philadelphia area means we can secure permits quickly and efficiently, so you can avoid the added expense and coordination of hiring a permit expediter. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your next renovation project in Philadelphia or South Jersey, from permits to completion!
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