We have more questions about this part of the construction process than any other.
Generally a permit is required for any project with a value over $1,000.00. A permit is generally not required for:
- Painting
- Re-roofing
- Cabinetry work
- Floor covering
- Some block walls and fencing
Permits relating to Kitchen requirements:
- If electrical is more than $500.00
- If plumbing is more than $1,000.00
- Relocation of any walls, windows & doors: whether interior or exterior
- Installation of new countertops
- If there is drywall work over $1,000.00
- Installation of all new cabinets which are attached to walls.
It is our policy to obtain a Building Permit for all our projects. This insures that the electrical upgrades, plumbing, structural work and window egress are inspected by City/County inspectors and to be in compliance with building codes.
We are asked many questions about construction contracts and construction in general. We present this as an informational page only. For a more complete Hawaii state description please go to:
Handyman:
- Hawaii law allows handyman to do work up to $1,000.00 only.
- The law is designed just as it implies. It is for small repair jobs.
- Handymen are not allowed to do Electrical, Plumbing and/or structural work.
Unlicensed Contractors:
- Not allowed to do contracting of any kind.
- Unlicensed Contractors carry no Liability or Workman’s Compensation Insurance. A definite risk to home owners.
- A Handyman becomes an un-licensed contractor if offering to do work over $1,000 and/or any structural work.
Designers:
- Designers are allowed to design and sell materials.
- Designers may introduce an owner to a Contractor but construction contracts should be between owners and contractors directly.
- Designers are not allowed to hire contractors and then invoice the owners for installation of any products.
License classifications (lost of questions/confusion here):
- Laws do allow Contractors to do incidentals of other trades as part of a project, but generally all Contractors are required to hire licensed Electricians and Plumbers.
C-specialty vs. BC-general contractors.
- Those letters that proceed the Contractors actual contractors license number are more important than the license number.
- C-specialty license holders are ONLY allowed to do work for the speciality that they are licensed for:
- Some examples would be an Electrician, Plumber, Dry-wall, Cabinet Installer and Painter.
A specialty Contractor with C classification holding a cabinetry and remodeling license is not allowed to do drywall, concrete, roofing, structural framing ( foundation, beams, rafters, joists, siding & roof sheathing) or general construction.
BC- general contractors hold many speciality licenses grouped under the BC heading.
As an example, besides the General Contracting license, Seven Valleys holds the following specialty licenses:
- Cabinetry
- Millwork
- Remodeling
- Carpentry repairs
- Carpentry & Framing (structural framing)
- Drywall
- Building Moving & Wrecking
- Institutional & Commercial Equipment
- Concrete
- Wood & Vinyl Fencing
- Various types of roofing