Basement Finishing Permit Requirements in Washington, DC
When you DO need a permit
Finishing a basement requires building and electrical permits in Washington, DC.
Estimated fee: $240 – $960
Typical timeline: About 3 weeks
Source: DC Construction Code
Adding a bathroom to a basement requires building, plumbing, and electrical permits in Washington, DC.
Estimated fee: $360 – $1,440
Typical timeline: About 3 weeks
Source: DC Construction Code
Adding egress windows or doors to a basement requires a building permit in Washington, DC.
Estimated fee: $180 – $600
Typical timeline: About 2 weeks
Source: DC Construction Code
Adding a bedroom to a basement requires permits and egress compliance in Washington, DC.
Estimated fee: $300 – $1,080
Typical timeline: About 3 weeks
Source: DC Construction Code
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Frequently Asked Questions
Estimated permit fees for Basement Finishing projects in Washington, DC range from $240 – $960. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Basement Finishing projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.
Working without a required permit in Washington can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.
Typical approval time for Basement Finishing permits in Washington is About 3 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.