Let’s be honest… no one signs up for a remodeling project excited about the permitting process. Even our team jokes that it’s no one’s favorite task. But while the paperwork may not be glamorous, building permits exist for one big reason: to protect you, your home, and everyone working on it.

In this episode of the Under Construction Podcast, Kelsey, one of our project managers (and self-proclaimed “permit enthusiast”), joined us to break down what homeowners really need to know about building permits, and how Big Fish makes the process a whole lot easier.

In the simplest terms, a building permit is your city or county’s way of making sure your project is done safely and correctly. It’s a system of checks and balances that ensures everything meets local building codes and protects both the homeowner and the contractor.

From electrical work to new additions, permits aren’t about slowing you down. They’re about making sure your investment is solid from the ground up.

That depends on your municipality (and yes, they’re all a little different). But here’s a general rule of thumb for when to pull permits in Wisconsin:

• Additions or expansions – Anything that adds square footage, like a new room or garage.
• Structural changes – Knocking down a wall or modifying load-bearing areas.
• Major mechanical work – Plumbing, electrical, or HVAC updates.
• Exterior upgrades – Roofing, siding, or windows (depending on the scope).

Essentially, if your project changes how your home functions or affects its structure, a permit is likely required.

We’ll be real with you: permitting isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all process. Each municipality has its own paperwork, fees, and timelines. And, sometimes, even different rules for how to submit.

That’s why Big Fish handles all permitting for our projects. We coordinate directly with municipalities to handle all the details. It’s part of our commitment to transparency and trust, taking the burden off your plate and ensuring your project runs smoothly from day one.

Sure, it might seem tempting to save time or money by skipping a permit. But that shortcut can quickly turn into a major setback.

Without the proper permits, you risk:

• Stop work orders, which halt progress on your project.
• Hefty fines, sometimes double or triple the original permit cost.
• Inspection delays, slowing down your timeline even more.
• Headaches at resale, since unpermitted work can derail home sales or cause insurance issues.

The short version? Pulling the right permits isn’t just the legal thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.

We know permits aren’t the most exciting part of your remodel, but they’re one of the most important. Our team takes care of it all — from initial research to final inspections — so you can focus on the fun parts, like choosing finishes and seeing your vision come to life.

It’s one more way we’re redeeming an industry, through transparency, care, and doing the job right the first time.

Thinking about remodeling or adding on to your home?

Let’s make it happen, permits, inspections, and all. Contact Big Fish Contracting today to start planning your next project.