Cabinet permits

Do not take a contractor's word that no permit is required. If it turns out one was needed and none was pulled, the unpermitted work sits on your property, not theirs, and it surfaces at resale or at an insurance claim.

How to find your rules: search for your city or county building department, look for a residential permit guide or an exemption list, and then call the permit counter and describe the work plainly. Ask separately about (1) replacing cabinets in the same locations, (2) relocating a sink or dishwasher supply and drain, (3) adding or moving electrical circuits and outlets, (4) any gas line work, and (5) changing or adding range ventilation. These often have different answers.

The pattern in most places is that mechanical trades trigger permits. If a licensed plumber or electrician is doing work in your kitchen, there is a reasonable chance a permit and an inspection belong with it — but confirm locally rather than assuming either direction.

If a permit is required, the licensed contractor should pull it in their name and the inspections should be scheduled and passed before final payment. A contractor who asks you to pull the permit as an owner-builder is shifting liability to you. Understand what you are taking on before agreeing.

How to choose

Call the permit counter yourself

One call about your specific scope beats any general guide, including this one.

Ask about each trade separately

Cabinets, plumbing, electrical, gas and ventilation are often permitted differently.

Contractor pulls it, in their name

If they ask you to pull it as an owner-builder, they are moving liability onto you.

Hold final payment until inspections pass

It is the only leverage that reliably gets a job finished on paper.

Keep the records

Permits and signed-off inspections matter at resale. File them with your closing documents.

Check condo and HOA rules too

Buildings frequently have their own approvals, insurance requirements and work-hour rules independent of the city.