Beginner
Navigating all the paperwork required by your cities’ planning department can be a frustrating, time-consuming, and (not to mention) expensive mission. Especially for commercial builds, a permit expediter may be an invaluable team member that helps you keep the build on track.
A permit expediter is a third-party consultant who helps to maneuver permit requests. Think of them as a project manager for your build. Permit expediters keep everything in order and handle all of the documents involved with keeping your build on schedule. These trained professionals also help you navigate local laws and codes.
Contrary to what the name implies, an expediter will not actually speed up the process—but they will make the process work as efficiently as possible. Expediters can be expensive, but it’s often worth it.
It’s also good to note that there are different types of expeditors: some of these consultants will help you research and prepare your case. Others only do research. In those cases, you will still have to submit the files yourself.
The type of help you need will depend on how complicated your permit issues are. If your project is fairly straightforward, you may not need an expediter or consultant at all. If your project is more complicated, however, paying upfront to avoid potentially costly mistakes or delays could help to save you time and money in the long run.
Do you have a set of building permits that you are looking to submit and have expedited through the process? Are you trying to do some research and find the right expediter for you? If you are, then read through the following steps. They will help to formulate your research and guide you in who you should talk to to find a building permit expediter.
The Benefits of a Permit Expediter:
Though we’ve definitely covered quite a few benefits, the good things a permit expediter can do for you don’t end there.
Expediters actively manage your forms, documents, and paperwork. And that doesn’t mean that they’re just acting as a middle man carrier. Expediters check these documents and use their expertise to catch errors and make sure everything is perfect before its submitted.
When you’re working with a local expediter, they know their stuff. That means they are familiar with all of the niche local laws and codes that apply specifically to your area, and they can help you navigate the bumps that come with those extra steps in a building process. Small towns are notorious for having many weird building laws, and while not every small town gets this bad rap, if you’re a big builder looking to develop in a small town, a local permit guide will be invaluable.
Lastly, expediters can help keep you on or under budget. These experts know the cost of building, and they know where they can save you money and how to keep things on a budget. While you will have to pay for their services, they do make sure that you don’t have to pay other fees you might run into without them.
How to Find a Permit Expediter
Step 1 – Check Online
Take a look online, and you will find a list of expediters in your area and beyond. As you begin to review the online expediter list, you will need to look to make sure they service your locality. Some expediters service many large national locations, and other expediters only service small communities. Make sure you have the right fit for your needs.
Last, make sure the expediter is familiar with the permits you are looking to expedite. There are different types of permits that you can obtain, and some are specialized.
Step 2 – Call Your Local Municipality
Who better to talk to than someone at your local township or municipal building. You can find these government workers’ contact information online. Talk to the building code enforcement officer or talk to someone at the projects desk of the municipality and ask them if they have any recommendations on who can help you expedite your permits.
These workers talk to people applying for permits all day long, and they are bound to run into those that expedite permits.
Step 3 – Ask a Local Contractor
Another great source of information is your local contractor. Stop by to visit a local contractor or builder in the area. They invariably use an expediter to move their permits through the system a little faster. They may be able to point you in the right direction.
Step 4 – Call Your Local Realtor
Depending on the real estate agent’s experience, you may want to call the local realtor in the area that spends a great deal of time in land development and new construction. These types of real estate agents are well versed with the local government rules and regulations and would be more than happy to help you find a permit expediter that can help you out.
A permit expediter can save you more than one headache, so it is worth at least seeing if there is someone in your area who can help you.
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