Improvement projects for commercial and residential buildings can be necessary to keep up with technology and building use demands. Whether it’s a new furnace or boiler installation or an air conditioning replacement, the energy efficiency benefits that can come from having new HVAC equipment installed can provide ongoing cost savings for potentially decades to come.
However, undertaking a significant building improvement like a new HVAC system installation takes planning, strategy, and know-how. The HVAC professionals at Front Range HVAC know this all too well, and we pride ourselves in being able to walk our customers through the entire process.
An important step in that process is acquiring the building permit(s) necessary for the project in question. In this blog post, we’re going to address the topic of permitting for HVAC projects, and we’ll be explaining what our role is during this step.
Why Are Permits Necessary?
Building permits are typically issued by state and local municipalities on an as-needed basis. These permits come with the implied approval of the city, state, or township that is responsible for ensuring that all buildings in the municipality are ‘up to code’. Building permits can be 
thought of as a protective measure that ensures uniform compliance with things like safety, building accessibility, and construction best practices.
If there were no building permit requirements for major structural projects, it’s likely that buildings would be modified in ways that were not safe for inhabitants or tenants.
Because there are administrative resources required to evaluate permit applications, issue permits, and ensure ongoing compliance, there are costs associated with obtaining them.
Colorado HVAC Installation Permit Requirements
It’s important to note that every city, township, or other local government in Colorado is going to have its own process for applying for construction permits. So, requirements and fees are going to vary based on where your home or business is located.
In Denver, for example, the following documents are required in order to receive a construction permit from the city:
- Current contractor’s license (…if a contractor is being used. If the home or business owner is completing the work on their own, a satisfactorily completed exam is required)
- A site plan with the proposed location of the new HVAC system.
- An HVAC gas piping permit, if applicable
- An electrical permit
Items #3 and #4 above can be obtained using the city’s ‘Quick Permit’ process, something that shouldn’t take longer than a few days to complete, assuming all documentation is in order.
For single-family and duplex HVAC projects, the City of Denver has produced this handy permitting guide.
How Much Do HVAC Installation Permits Cost?
Virtually all permitting costs for HVAC system installation are rolled into the overall fees that are paid to the contractor for the work done.
So, if a home or business owner is working with a qualified HVAC contractor like Front Range HVAC, there should be no money changing hands between the customer and the city or state permitting authorities.
The responsibility for acquiring the permit lies with the contractor. The contractor then includes these costs in with the total amount they charge to the customer.
Because new HVAC systems can often require significant structural modifications made to a home or business (things like wall removals or electrical wiring), local permitting authorities want to be sure the contractor doing the work is qualified, licensed, and capable. Providing this ‘seal of approval’ will cost money.
How much money? A good average to use when estimating the cost of an HVAC installation permit is between $800-$1,500. This is a very rough figure, and it’s likely to vary widely from city to city or township to township. Generally speaking, smaller, rural areas are likely to charge less for their building permits, whereas highly urbanized areas are going to charge more.
Obtaining a Quote for a Complete HVAC System Installation
For every new HVAC system installation, there are three component expenses: the equipment cost, the labor costs, and the permitting costs.
Rolling all three of these figures together is required to arrive at a comprehensive total for the project.
Only a qualified, insured, and licensed HVAC contractor is able to adequately quote you for a total HVAC system installation. Front Range HVAC is just such a contractor, and we’re available right now to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for the HVAC system installation you’re considering.
Ready to get started? Contact us today, and let’s get to work!
