Wayne County

Home permits and project costs in Detroit, MI

One of the oldest housing stocks in the country: knob-and-tube rewiring, boiler replacement and roof deck repair are routine add-ons.

Model reviewed August 2026

Local cost index

+3%

vs national average

Permit fee index

+5%

vs national baseline

Population

633,218

Homeownership

47%

Do you need a permit in Detroit?

For most structural work, yes

Detroit enforces michigan residential code, based on the irc through Wayne County. 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 Detroit

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$10,300 – $34,500	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$5,500 – $16,400	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$2,500 – $11,600	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,300 – $5,700	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$40,500 – $122,600	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$8,000 – $36,400	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$2,000 – $7,200	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$6,900 – $23,300	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$15,800 – $50,600	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$18,700 – $95,500	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$9,400 – $43,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$4,400 – $20,000	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$3,600 – $16,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$5,800 – $29,600	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$1,900 – $12,500	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$4,800 – $17,000	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$800 – $4,400	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$3,400 – $19,400	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$9,600 – $45,000	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$8,000 – $30,000	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$9,700 – $45,200	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$1,000 – $6,900	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$1,500 – $8,000	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$8,500 – $40,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$900 – $16,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$1,900 – $11,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$900 – $6,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$400 – $5,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$6,500 – $30,100	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,200 – $7,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$2,600 – $12,700	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$2,500 – $13,200	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$2,600 – $20,600	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$1,900 – $16,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$1,600 – $9,900	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$2,900 – $15,600	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$400 – $4,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$4,700 – $20,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$2,300 – $12,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$3,700 – $16,800	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$900 – $7,200	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$2,300 – $10,400	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$500 – $5,800	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$6,300 – $47,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$8,600 – $102,200	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$9,700 – $91,500	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$5,900 – $26,700	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$1,600 – $15,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,300 – $6,800	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$48,400 – $301,000	required	Cost·Permit
Heat Pump Replacement	$6,900 – $23,200	required	Cost·Permit
Furnace Replacement	$3,400 – $12,100	required	Cost·Permit
Foundation Repair	$2,900 – $33,600	usually required	Cost·Permit
Basement Waterproofing	$3,100 – $18,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Drain Field Replacement	$6,400 – $26,500	required	Cost·Permit
Toilet Installation	$300 – $1,100	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Hot Tub Installation	$5,800 – $23,100	usually required	Cost·Permit

Detroit permitting basics

Jurisdiction	Detroit, Wayne County
Building department	Official site
Permit portal	Apply online
Owner-builder permits	Homeowner permits allowed on owner-occupied property
Contractor verification	Verify any license with Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

Model vintage August 2026. The links above are the issuing agencies' own pages — we publish them so you can confirm the current rule yourself, not as evidence that each fact on this page was re-checked with them today. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing, not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.