Permits

Why is a Building Permit Important?

A Building Permit is a legal requirement that ensures your construction follows safety and zoning standards. While the process varies by location, it's generally faster in the provinces (less than a month) and can take one to two months in Metro Manila—sometimes longer. Costs can range from ₱15,000 to ₱200,000, depending on the size and location of your project.

Building Permit & Our Construction Contract

📌 No hidden surprises! The cost of the building permit is included in our construction contract, so you can plan your budget properly.
📌 We process permits only for contracted projects because they require licensed professionals to sign off on safety and compliance. These same professionals will also certify your house for an Occupancy Permit, ensuring it’s safe to live in.

Now, you might be wondering...

Can You Build Without a Building Permit?

Think of it like parking in a "No Parking" zone. Sure, you might get away with it for a while, but sooner or later, you’ll face fines, delays, or even legal issues. Some contractors might tell you, “Yes, you can build without a permit,” but here’s why that’s a bad idea:

Why You NEED a Building Permit:

✅ 1) Loan Applications
Planning to fund your construction through a bank or Pag-IBIG loan? Most lenders require a Building Permit before releasing your loan’s first tranche to ensure the money is actually used for construction.

✅ 2) Permanent Electricity Connection
Meralco and other power providers have strict regulations. While they allow a temporary service line during construction, they won’t approve your permanent electrical connection without a Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI). And to get that? You need a Building Permit.

✅ 3) Professional and Legal Protection
Your safety is our priority. A Building Permit documents the licensed professionals responsible for your project—Architects, Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Plumbers, and more. These professionals are legally bound to guarantee the structural safety of your home for 15 years.

🚨 Beware of "fly-by-night" contractors who use fake credentials. Some hire random professionals to sign off on permits, meaning if something goes wrong, they won’t be held accountable!

✅ 4) Required by Subdivisions & Villages
Many gated communities and subdivisions won’t allow construction materials or workers inside until the Building Permit is released. Some may let you start if the permit is "in process," but most require full approval before you can proceed.

Bottom Line:

Skipping a Building Permit isn’t worth the risk. It ensures your home is safe, legally compliant, and properly documented—saving you from future headaches.

Thinking of building your dream home? Let’s do it the right way! 🏡✨

Building Permit Processes and Requirements

Building Permit Process: A Step-by-Step Guide (Without the Confusion!)

Getting a Building Permit might sound like a long, complicated process—but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! While the exact steps vary by location, the process is generally the same everywhere. There’s no “one-stop shop” for this, as different documents move through multiple departments before final approval.

To make it simple, here’s a clear and engaging breakdown of what to expect!

Step 1: Prepare Your Plans & Documents

Before applying, you’ll need several plans and documents. Some are included in our design package, while others may need to be secured separately.

1A. Building Plans (Signed & Sealed by Licensed Professionals)

✅ Lot Plan & Vicinity Map – Signed by a Geodetic Engineer (₱2,000 if you don’t have one)
✅ Architectural Plans – Designed & signed by an Architect (Included in our package!)
✅ Structural Plans – Sealed by a Civil Engineer (Included!)
✅ Plumbing Plans – Approved by a Master Plumber (Included!)
✅ Electrical Plans – Certified by a Professional Electrical Engineer (Included!)
✅ Mechanical Plans – Needed for offices, condos, or commercial units (Included!)

1B. Supporting Documents

📌 Soil Boring Test Report – Required for 3-storey+ buildings (₱25,000 - ₱80,000+)
📌 Project Specifications & Cost Estimate – (Included in our package!)
📌 Structural Analysis & Seismic Evaluation – Required for 2-storey+ buildings (Included!)

1C. Technical Documents

📄 Fully signed and sealed Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Permit Forms
📄 Copies of PRC IDs, PTRs, and specimen signatures of professionals

1D. Extra Requirements for Renovations & Extensions

📌 Previous Building Permit, Occupancy Permit, & Approved Plans

1E. Identification & Legal Documents

🆔 Photocopies of Valid IDs (Owner & Applicant)
📜 Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) & TIN for official notarization

1F. Additional Documents (If Needed)

📌 Authorization Letter – If someone is applying on your behalf
📌 Firewall Consent – If you're building a firewall next to a neighbor

Step 2: Obtain Legal Documents

Before proceeding, make sure your property papers are updated!

📑 Certified True Copy of Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) – Get from Registry of Deeds (₱400, 3-6 working days)
📑 Real Property Tax Clearance, Tax Declaration & Tax Receipt – Get from City/Municipal Hall (1 day)
📑 If Lot is Not Under Your Name: Provide Deed of Sale, Lease Contract, or Award Notice

For corporate projects: A Corporate Secretary’s Certification is needed.

Step 3: Obtain Clearances

3A. Area Clearance

🏡 Subdivision, Village, or Mall Clearance (1 day - 2 weeks)
🏠 Barangay Clearance (₱300 - ₱5,000, 1 day)

3B. Special Government Clearances (If Needed)

🏗️ MMDA Clearance – If near waterways (rivers, creeks)
🚧 DPWH Clearance – If near national roads/highways
🌿 DENR Environmental Clearance – If in a protected area
✈️ CAAP Height Clearance – For towers or buildings near airports
🌋 PHIVOLCS Clearance – If near a fault line

Step 4: Apply for Locational Clearance (₱3,000 - ₱6,000)

📌 This ensures your structure is zoned correctly—for example, you can’t build a shopping mall in a residential area or a high-rise near an airport.

⏳ Processing Time: 1-2 weeks

Step 5: Apply for Fire Safety Clearance (₱5,000 - ₱8,000)

📌 Required for fire prevention compliance.
⏳ Processing Time: 3-10 working days

Step 6: Submit Everything to the Office of the Building Official (OBO)

🗂️ Once you have all clearances, plans, and forms, submit them to the Engineering Department of your City/Municipal Hall.

⏳ Processing Time: 1-6 weeks (Red tape can cost ₱20,000 - ₱50,000 in some cities!)

Step 7: Pay the Building Permit Fee (Approx. ₱10,000)

🏛️ This fee covers the assessment of your plans by government architects and engineers.

Step 8: Pay City/Contractor’s Tax (₱10,000 - ₱35,000+)

📌 This tax is based on your project size and cost and is required before permit release.

Step 9: Final Approval & Release of Your Building Permit! 🎉

📜 Once signed by the Building Official, your permit is ready for release within 1-3 days.

Why Work With Us?

⚡ We handle the heavy lifting! You don’t need to go through this complex and time-consuming process alone. We ensure everything is properly prepared and submitted, so you can focus on your dream home instead of paperwork!

Let's build your future—legally and hassle-free! 🏡🔨

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can start working together.