District of Columbia

Home permits and project costs in Washington, DC

The Department of Buildings reviews all work district-wide, and historic-district review covers a large share of the housing stock.

Verified August 2026

Local cost index

+22%

vs national average

Permit fee index

+30%

vs national baseline

Population

671,803

Homeownership

42%

Do you need a permit in Washington?

For most structural work, yes

Washington enforces dc construction codes, based on the irc with district amendments through District of Columbia. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, structural, pools and most exterior additions require a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not.

Project costs in Washington

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$12,900 – $43,500	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$6,700 – $19,900	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$3,100 – $14,100	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,600 – $7,100	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$50,500 – $152,700	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$9,900 – $44,900	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$2,500 – $9,000	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$8,600 – $29,000	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$19,000 – $60,900	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$22,200 – $113,400	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$11,200 – $52,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$5,400 – $24,400	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$4,400 – $20,000	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$7,200 – $36,600	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$2,300 – $15,000	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$6,000 – $21,200	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$1,000 – $5,500	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$4,300 – $24,400	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$12,100 – $56,400	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$10,000 – $37,500	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$12,100 – $56,200	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$1,200 – $8,600	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$1,900 – $10,000	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$10,500 – $49,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$1,100 – $20,000	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$2,400 – $14,400	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$1,100 – $8,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$500 – $6,400	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$8,100 – $37,900	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,400 – $9,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$3,200 – $15,400	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$3,100 – $16,100	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$3,000 – $24,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$2,200 – $19,800	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$1,900 – $12,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$3,500 – $18,800	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$400 – $5,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$5,600 – $24,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$2,600 – $14,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$4,500 – $20,600	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$1,100 – $8,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$2,800 – $12,500	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$600 – $7,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$7,700 – $57,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$10,900 – $129,300	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$12,200 – $115,700	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$7,300 – $33,400	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$1,900 – $19,400	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,500 – $8,400	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$60,900 – $378,800	required	Cost·Permit

Washington permitting basics

Jurisdiction	Washington, District of Columbia
Building department	Official site
Permit portal	Apply online
Owner-builder permits	Homeowner permits allowed on owner-occupied property; licensed trades required for electrical, plumbing and gas
Contractor verification	Verify any license with DC Department of Buildings before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

Last verified August 2026. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing — they are not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.