Miscommunication or Missed Opportunity: What's Holding Up Your Permits?

In the construction world, one of the most common issues that causes delays and frustrations during the permitting process is a lack of communication or outright miscommunication. This tends to occur in the early stages of acquiring permits, and it’s often the root cause of plan review rejections. Many contractors submit plans that are incomplete or incorrectly formatted, simply because there wasn’t enough back-and-forth with the permitting department to clarify expectations.

The good news is that this problem can be easily mitigated with a bit of proper planning and by asking the right questions upfront. As contractors, you should always take the time to reach out and learn how your local building department prefers to communicate. Some departments respond faster via email, while others might have staff available for phone calls or in-person consultations. By understanding these communication preferences and utilizing them, you can prevent errors and streamline the approval process.

Taking these proactive steps helps ensure that there are no surprises later on, saving you time, money, and headaches. Don’t let poor communication slow down your project—be proactive, ask questions, and understand the best way to engage with your permitting department.