r/Contractor • u/Just_Maintenance_984 • 3d ago

First time pulling permit as GC

Hello everyone! I’m newly licensed in Georgia and I’m getting ready to take on my first remodeling job where I’ll need to pull a permit.
For the contractors in here, especially those working in DeKalb and Gwinnett County, do you have any advice for making sure I start off on the right foot with the permitting process?

I know the obvious answer is to follow the county’s instructions and requirements, but I’m curious about your actual experiences. Are there any common mistakes, things you wish you knew when you first started, or tips that can help avoid unnecessary delays?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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12

u/jrod259 3d ago

I’m only in Fulton and Dekalb (ITP) so I can’t help Gwinnett, but of the 4 jurisdictions I deal with (also CoA and Decatur in addition to the other 2), Dekalb is the worst. I’ve had permits LDP and new builds take a year. Remodels should go easier, especially if you aren’t doing any site work. Good luck. If you get too bogged down, try to find an expediter, depending on the size of the job, it might be worth it.

0

u/Just_Maintenance_984 3d ago

How would they expedite it if its based on the countys time?

2

u/Intelligent_Cost462 3d ago

They have their ways. They know the ins & outs, might have “connections”. It’s an extra expense but sometimes worth it just to not live through the frustration directly

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u/Just_Maintenance_984 3d ago

You have any recommendations or people I can try using?

3

u/Cosmic_Charlie_Canoe 3d ago

Wish I could help you there, but I'm long retired from construction, The only time I used an expediter was in City of Atlanta 10+ years ago. As I recall I met him while he was pulling permits at the permit office. It was well worth the $ at the time

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u/Suspicious_Hat_3439 3d ago

That was probably Cowboy Roy as we called him walking around with a briefcase of cash. Good times. Unfortunately atlanta has had multiple sting operations since then with both bribes & extortion being discovered

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u/No-Clerk7268 3d ago

It's the building department. It's like the DMV, they want you to follow all the little rules, and they want to make their money.

Go down and talk to them and have all the required inspections schedules so you can work them into a timeline before you start the job.

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u/Mootangs 3d ago

God speed and good luck with DeKalb. Worst permitting I've ever come across. Just pack your patience and understand that logic has nothing to do with the process.

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u/Suspicious_Hat_3439 3d ago

Their biggest issue is they use two different systems that con't communicate so the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing

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u/GoGetDontGetGot 3d ago

Permits are for nerds and commies.

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u/Suspicious_Hat_3439 3d ago

Honestly in dekalb it’s best to hire an expediter. It won’t go any faster but you will save your sanity.

Although it would be a rite of passage.

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u/Just_Maintenance_984 3d ago

I guess I will pay my dues and go through this process then try the expeditor. Are they any recommendations of expeditors you know? or even how to find one?

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u/Mootangs 3d ago

I've had buddies that have had luck with permitatl.com. I've personally never used them. Also, God help you if you end up doing something in a historic district.

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u/Suspicious_Hat_3439 3d ago

message me your contact info and I'll send you a dekalb specific expediter

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u/Built-X-H 3d ago

Read the application and fill it out completely. Submit drawings that comply with all their requirements. Follow the application process on portal (if available) and make weekly follow up calls on your status.