What Building Permits Actually Cover (and What They Don't)

A building permit exists to confirm one thing: that the plans, as drawn, meet the applicable code for structure, fire safety, and life safety. The reviewer checks calculations, egress, fire separations, and the load path — not whether the kitchen layout is a good idea or whether you picked a durable countertop.

That's why a permit is not a warranty. Workmanship still varies between two crews building from the same stamped drawings, and an inspector signs off on what they can see at each stage, not everything that ends up behind the drywall. A permit lowers risk; it doesn't eliminate the need to hire someone good and to ask questions along the way.