The short answer
Yes, the FTC treats it as one. Its list of signs of a home improvement scam includes this exact move: "Scammers ask you to get any required building permits." The same list flags contractors who knock on your door because they are "in the area" and contractors who say they have materials left over from a previous job.
What the FTC says about permits
"You go ahead and pull the permit" can sound helpful, like the contractor is saving you time or handing you some control. The FTC files it under scam tactics, not favors:
"Scammers ask you to get any required building permits." (FTC, signs of a home improvement scam)
You don't need to figure out why they're asking. It's on the FTC's list, which is reason enough to slow down and check everything else before you go any further.
Two more tells from the same FTC list
Two other lines from the same FTC list are worth listening for:
- "We're in the area." The FTC: "Scammers knock on your door looking for business because they are 'in the area.'"
- "We have leftover materials." The FTC: "Scammers say they have materials left over from a previous job."
Any of these on its own is a reason to pause. If you hear more than one from the same contractor, take that seriously. These are lines to listen for, not a verdict on every contractor who mentions a permit.
California tip: be careful paying for "plans" or "permits" up front (CSLB)
This section applies to California. California's Contractors State License Board (CSLB) has a tip sheet on upfront payments for home improvement projects, and two of its lines are about permits:
"Be careful about payments for 'plans' or 'permits' before the work starts." (CSLB, California)
"Call or go to the building department's website to confirm permit costs." (CSLB, California)
In practice: if a California contractor wants money for plans or permits before any work begins, slow down. Check the permit costs yourself with the building department instead of relying only on the number you were given.
Outside California, this tip sheet doesn't speak to your state. The FTC's national guidance below still applies.
Confirm the license before you hire
The FTC's advice here is a check you can do yourself:
"Check with your state or county government to confirm a contractor's license…" (FTC)
Do it before you agree to anything. It turns "this person seems fine" into something you've actually checked.
Quick checklist: before you say yes
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Did they ask you to get the permits? | The FTC lists "Scammers ask you to get any required building permits" as a scam sign. |
| Did they show up because they were "in the area"? | On the same FTC list. |
| Did they mention materials "left over from a previous job"? | Also on the FTC list. |
| In California: are they asking for "plans" or "permits" money before work starts? | The CSLB says to be careful, and to confirm permit costs with the building department. |
| Have you confirmed the license | with your state or county government, as the FTC advises? |
Limitations
This page quotes the FTC's national guidance and one California CSLB tip sheet. The CSLB tips apply to California only, and this page doesn't describe permit rules in other states. It isn't legal advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a contractor to ask me to get the building permits?
The FTC lists it as a sign of a home improvement scam: "Scammers ask you to get any required building permits."
What are other signs of a home improvement scam?
Two more from the FTC's list: "Scammers knock on your door looking for business because they are 'in the area,'" and "Scammers say they have materials left over from a previous job."
Should I pay a contractor for permits before work starts? (California)
California's CSLB says: "Be careful about payments for 'plans' or 'permits' before the work starts," and "Call or go to the building department's website to confirm permit costs."
How do I check a contractor's license?
The FTC says to check with your state or county government to confirm a contractor's license.
Sources and further reading
All quotes above are from the first two sources. The CSLB license lookup is further reading for California.
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