FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Everything you need to know to feel confident and comfortable about your next construction project.
For New Clients – Please Read
Thank you for selecting us to assist you with your project! We’re excited to help you turn your dreams into reality. You may be curious about your project’s next steps or expectations. Below is a general overview of our process. *The timeline provided is an estimation only and will vary for every project.
Signed Contract: Upon receipt of the signed contract and retainer payment, a lead person will be assigned to your project. The project lead will meet with you to discuss your scope of work.
Field Measurements (*Within 1-2 weeks of signed contract): If field measurements are included in the contract, our office will contact you to schedule our staff to conduct field measurements.
Schematic Design Phase (*About 2-4 weeks, depending on scope of work and client feedback): We will then start to develop the schematic drawings. Once the schematic drawings receive your review and approval, we’ll move on to the next phase.
Permit Ready Plans Development (*About 4-6 weeks, depending on client feedback): Our staff will produce the remaining necessary documents for permitting purposes (within the contract). Please note that any changes made after the schematic design is approved will delay permit submittal and may warrant a change order, which should be discussed with your project lead.
Permit Processing (*6-12 months): We will submit all required plans and forms to the City for review. Current DPP prescreen processing takes about 3-4 months. Review “What is the status of my building permit?” below to learn more about the process and see the status of your building permit. Our permit router will be in touch if there are items the City is requesting.
Construction: When proper permits are obtained, construction may begin. Please contact our office and the building department when you plan to start construction. Inspections may need to be scheduled before, during, and/or after construction.
Closeout: Once construction is complete, your contractor should notify the City officials and coordinate the closeout of the project.
Congratulations on your investment! We are happy to work with you to turn your dreams into reality.
Do I need a building permit?
Generally, building permits are required to construct, alter, or demo any building or structure. You also need a building permit to install or relocate any signs or if you want to construct or alter sidewalks, curbs, or driveways in the public rights-of-way.
Building permits may not be required for planter boxes or retaining walls that are 30” or less, painting, cabinet work, and floor covering.
Refer to Section 18-3.1 for the complete listing of items not requiring permits.
Do I need a design professional’s stamp on my drawings?
An Architect or Structural Engineer’s stamp is required if the valuation of work is more than $40,000 on single-story dwellings; or is more than $35,000 on two-story dwellings.
Retaining walls five feet (5’) or more requires a licensed Architect, Structural Engineer, or Civil Engineer’s stamp.
What is the status of my building permit?
The City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) currently take about 12-14 weeks to intake plans and create an application number (Prescreen). Depending on the number of comments received from the City, it may take several months for DPP to approve the building permit. If the building application is not approved within the year, DPP may cancel the application, and the process will restart.
Click here to learn more about the status of your building permit. Note: you will need to know your application number to review the status.