Hi! In full disclosure, we may earn money from companies (like Amazon) mentioned in this post if you make a purchase through our links. Thanks in advance for the support!
Getting a permit from your local government is a necessary step before starting your mini-split installment or replacement. As discussed in our previous article, this step is crucial to prevent you and your contractor from badly done installations that can cause electrical and building hazards.
With that, you may be wondering how much a permit for a mini-split work costs.
Permit cost for a mini-split installation and replacement: A permit to have your ductless system replaced or installed can cost you around $200 to $2,000 depending on which city or state you live in and the complexity of work that needs to be done.
There are some states wherein no permit fees are required if your system does not exceed the location’s cap for the BTU or British Thermal Unit.
It is, however, always necessary that you ask about permits and fees from your contractor and local government. This is something that requires the expertise of licensed professionals and it is dangerous to risk skipping consultation.
Starting a project with the wrong type or incomplete permit on hand will only end up costing you more time and effort.
Number one, you will have to go back to your city office to secure the appropriate requirements.
Second, if you were handed the wrong permit, your local government unit may even require you to remove any work that has already been done. You can be charged additional fees and penalties if any violation was done.
CALL FOR QUOTE: 1.855.920.1857
How can I find the cost of a mini-split permit in my city?
Although it is more convenient to have this handled by your contractor, it will be helpful to orient yourself with the actual costs and permits required by your home association and local government unit.
You can contact your city or state officials to get a quotation for the type of aircon system you want to have installed. The contact details of your local government offices are usually found on their website.
Some government websites also have a range of fees posted on their website. The HVAC permit generally falls under building permits but most websites have a section dedicated for HVAC inspection and permit handling.
Why does a mini-split permit cost money in some areas?
Mini-split installations involve electrical lines and can be considered as a home renovation. The level of renovation depends on the gravity of the work that needs to be done. It all depends on the age of the house, types of system that will be installed, and the location where the units will be installed.
Some installments require ceiling work, wall replacements, and additional electrical boxes. These are considered major renovations. There are states and cities that have environmental, building, and fire codes that contractors need to adhere to.
Building and construction plan inspections need to be done ahead of construction to ensure the installation is safe and, if applicable, environmentally friendly.
To get these things approved, highly qualified and licensed lawyers, engineers, and other experts need to be involved. The cost of services from these professionals is high because it involves a lot of responsibility in their part.
In places like in California, building codes are renewed every three years. Consulting a reliable city official is crucial. If your permit was approved then any violation that is incurred in reference to the approval will render the official accountable for the mistake.
Getting a permit also saves you from installers who are not licensed and may have committed building violations in the past. This is another liability for those who grant permits.
If an engineer approves a bad electrical layout drawn in your plan and you end up with a burnt fuse, the engineer can be held liable for your home damages. By not having your building plan approved, you are also risking not being covered by your insurance if an accident occurs because of badly executed HVAC installation.
After a building inspection, a report may be done by the engineer as a requirement if the city office asks for one. Usually, this will be required for complex constructions and when multiple units are needed to be installed. This can be an additional $300 to $450 cost.
The key to it is that with greater responsibility comes greater costs.
Building inspections are also done on location. The city office’s engineer will have to make a site visit to do a proper inspection. This is, of course, an expense that is part of what you are charged to be able to secure an installation permit.
CALL FOR QUOTE: 1.855.920.1857
Who pays for the mini-split permit?
Most legitimate HVAC service providers include permit fees in their quotes. This, however, is always shouldered by the homeowner. Some contractors are more thorough when it comes to giving out estimates to better prepare the homeowners for any fees that may incur during the installation process.
It is also a good sign if your service provider is aware of permits and licenses needed before construction begins. This means that the contractor is experienced and is careful with building codes and construction practices.
If you are the homeowner, you will be able to apply for a permit yourself but this transfers any liability to you. Any violations and accidents that happen in relation to the permits you gathered, you will be accountable for it.
Also, highly skilled HVAC installers will know how to explain the construction plan and requirements of your ductless system. They can orient the city engineer and other inspectors better so you can be granted the appropriate permits and charged with the proper fees.
How long does it take to secure an HVAC permit?
Depending on your city office, it may take a day or even weeks to have your whole HVAC system approved.
Building permits can sometimes require a full inspection from the building plan to the finished work. This is to ensure that the whole construction follows through with what was declared on the plans.
Don’t worry. This still depends on the complexity of the work down for your mini-split system. If it’s just a simple single indoor unit to an outdoor unit, the process may be simpler. If the work is more complicated than that, then it is even more important that you get expert advice.
Is the permit fee worth it?
A good air conditioning system can tremendously help make your home comfortable but the safety of your home and your loved ones should come first. The important thing is that you do not risk major damage and accidents to your home caused by a badly installed mini-split system.
At the end of the day, you get your money’s worth as well because you are guaranteed that your mini-split installation was done right. This ensures that you get the full energy-saving plus cooling or heating benefits of a ductless system since leaks and broken components are no longer a risk.
Another plus is that your mini-split units will be well taken care of so your system will have a long life and it will take more years before repairs or a replacement is needed.
Getting the proper advice from your city office and expert engineers can be costly but this guarantees a safer home for you and your loved ones. This is definitely an expense that is worth all the benefits.
