Forrest County

Home permits and project costs in Hattiesburg, MS

Hattiesburg sits in Forrest County, Mississippi. Long cooling seasons and sustained humidity push HVAC sizing, attic ventilation and moisture detailing to the front of most exterior projects. Work outside city limits is permitted by the county building department rather than the city.

Model reviewed August 2026

Local cost index

-18%

vs national average

Permit fee index

-25%

vs national baseline

Population

48,730

Homeownership

Do you need a permit in Hattiesburg?

For most structural work, yes

Hattiesburg enforces local adoption of the irc; coastal counties enforce wind requirements through Forrest 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 Hattiesburg

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$7,700 – $26,000	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$4,300 – $12,900	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$2,000 – $9,100	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,000 – $4,400	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$30,800 – $93,300	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$6,200 – $28,300	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$1,500 – $5,500	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$5,300 – $17,800	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$12,800 – $41,000	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$15,200 – $77,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$7,500 – $35,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$3,400 – $15,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$2,900 – $13,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$4,500 – $22,800	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$1,500 – $9,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$3,600 – $12,800	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$600 – $3,400	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$2,600 – $14,600	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$7,300 – $33,900	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$6,100 – $22,700	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$7,500 – $34,900	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$700 – $5,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$1,100 – $6,100	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$6,500 – $31,100	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$700 – $13,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$1,500 – $9,000	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$700 – $5,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$300 – $3,800	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$4,900 – $22,700	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,000 – $6,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$2,100 – $10,000	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$2,000 – $10,400	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$2,100 – $16,800	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$1,500 – $13,100	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$1,200 – $7,600	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$2,200 – $12,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$300 – $3,600	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$3,700 – $16,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$1,900 – $10,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$2,800 – $13,000	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$800 – $5,900	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$1,800 – $8,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$400 – $4,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$4,900 – $36,800	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$6,400 – $76,300	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$7,200 – $68,300	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$4,400 – $20,100	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$1,200 – $11,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,000 – $5,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$36,500 – $226,800	required	Cost·Permit
Heat Pump Replacement	$5,400 – $18,300	required	Cost·Permit
Furnace Replacement	$2,700 – $9,600	required	Cost·Permit
Foundation Repair	$2,300 – $26,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Basement Waterproofing	$2,500 – $14,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Drain Field Replacement	$4,900 – $20,200	required	Cost·Permit
Toilet Installation	$200 – $900	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Hot Tub Installation	$4,500 – $18,000	usually required	Cost·Permit

Hattiesburg permitting basics

Jurisdiction	Hattiesburg, Forrest County
Building department	Confirm with the city or county
Permit portal	No verified online portal on file
Owner-builder permits	Homeowner permits widely allowed
Contractor verification	Verify any license with Mississippi State Fire Marshal before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

Mississippi State Fire Marshal

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.