What is a Permit Expediter? How They Save Time and Money
What is a Permit Expediter?
A permit expediter is a professional who manages the building permit process on behalf of homeowners, contractors, and developers. They handle the paperwork, submit applications, track reviews, respond to examiner comments, and schedule inspections — so you don’t have to.
Think of them as a specialist who knows the permit system inside and out. They understand what each jurisdiction requires, how to prepare documents correctly the first time, and how to keep the process moving.
What Does a Permit Expediter Do?
A typical permit expediter handles:
- Application preparation — Completing forms, organizing documents, ensuring everything meets local requirements
- Plan submission — Submitting to the correct department with all required documents
- Review tracking — Monitoring the review process and following up on delays
- Revision management — Responding to plan examiner comments and resubmitting corrected documents
- Fee payment — Paying permit fees on your behalf
- Inspection scheduling — Coordinating inspections at the right construction milestones
- Multi-jurisdiction coordination — Managing permits across multiple departments (building, fire, zoning, health)
When Should You Hire a Permit Expediter?
Hiring an expediter makes sense when:
You’re on a tight timeline
Every week of delay costs money — carrying costs on loans, rental income lost, crews waiting. An expediter who knows the system can often shave weeks off the process by submitting complete, correct applications and following up proactively.
Your project is complex
Projects requiring multiple permits (building, electrical, plumbing, fire) across multiple departments benefit from someone who can coordinate all the moving pieces simultaneously.
You’re building in an unfamiliar jurisdiction
Each city and county has different requirements, forms, and processes. An expediter who works regularly in that jurisdiction knows exactly what’s needed.
You’re a contractor focused on building
Many contractors prefer to spend their time on the job site, not in a permit office. An expediter handles the administrative side so you can focus on construction.
You’re an out-of-state developer
If you’re developing property in a jurisdiction you’re not familiar with, a local expediter provides invaluable knowledge of local processes and relationships.
How Much Does a Permit Expediter Cost?
Permit expediting fees vary based on project complexity and location:
| Project Type | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Simple residential (deck, fence) | $200 - $500 |
| Residential addition or remodel | $500 - $1,500 |
| New home construction | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Commercial tenant improvement | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Large commercial / multi-family | $3,000 - $10,000+ |
These fees are a small fraction of overall project costs and often pay for themselves through faster approvals and fewer rejections.
How to Choose a Permit Expediter
Look for:
- Local experience — They should know the specific jurisdictions where you’re building
- Track record — Ask for references from recent projects similar to yours
- Clear pricing — Reputable expediters provide upfront quotes, not vague estimates
- Communication — You should get regular updates on your permit status
- Relationships — Experienced expediters have working relationships with plan reviewers, which helps resolve issues quickly
Find a Local Permit Expediter
Browse our expediter directory to find professionals serving the Indianapolis metro area and central Indiana.