What permits you need, what they cost, and the biggest red flag homeowners miss — contractors who leave permits out of their quote. We'll show you how to catch it.
Free: upload up to 3 quotes · 1 comparison included · No credit card
Our intelligence engine cross-checks every quote against the permits required for your project type.
Permit Coverage
Incomplete — 2 Missing
Estimated $330 in unpermitted fees not in quote
Required Permits for This Project
💡 What to ask your contractor:
"Your quote doesn't list plumbing or mechanical permits. Can you confirm those are included, or tell me the estimated cost so I can compare apples to apples?"
Quick reference by project type — and what to watch for in your contractor's quote.
| Project Type | Permit Required? |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel | Usually yes |
| Bathroom Addition / Remodel | Yes |
| Room Addition | Yes — always |
| Basement Finishing | Yes |
| Deck or Porch | Yes |
| Roof Replacement | Sometimes |
| Window Replacement (same size) | Usually no |
| Cosmetic Remodel (paint, flooring, cabinets) | No |
Always verify with City of Birmingham Building Department. Requirements change.
These are the signals that a contractor is trying to cut corners — or shift risk to you.
RenoSpend's Red Flag Review™ automatically checks permit responsibility, payment terms, and scope completeness on every quote you upload.
Use these ranges to sanity-check a quote before uploading it for a full Red Flag Review™.
| Project | Low | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel (full) | $42,000 | $68,000 | $120,000+ |
| Bathroom Remodel (primary) | $18,000 | $35,000 | $65,000+ |
| Basement Finishing (1,000 sq ft) | $28,000 | $45,000 | $80,000+ |
| Room Addition (400 sq ft) | $80,000 | $140,000 | $220,000+ |
| Whole-Home Renovation | $150,000 | $280,000 | $500,000+ |
Ranges reflect 2024–2025 Oakland County market data. Actual costs depend on materials, finishes, and site conditions.
We'll check permits, scope gaps, red flags, and pricing — all in under 60 seconds.
Free: upload up to 3 quotes · 1 comparison included · No credit card