Planning to build or remodel? WikEst answers: allowed, what it costs, what the rules are.
WikEst is the citation-linked intelligence hub for U.S. residential construction. Tell us your project and location, and we answer the three questions every homeowner has: can I build it, what will it cost, and what does the code require — by project type, state, and city. Every rule links to its official source.
ZIP→state mapping from the official U.S. ZIP table (40,426 ZIPs, derived from GSA per diem data, retrieved 2026-08-19). Permit data verified per county source list.
Build an ADU with real numbers & real rules
Accessory dwelling units are the fastest-growing home project in the U.S. WikEst gives you cost, rental ROI, financing, and 50-state permit rules — all linked to official sources.
Browse by project type
Pick what you're planning — from ADUs and decks to solar and retaining walls.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Deck / Porch
Fence / Wall
Shed / Outbuilding
Basement Finish
Garage / Carport
Rooftop Solar PV
HVAC Replacement
Kitchen Remodel
Bathroom Remodel
Room Addition
Window / Door Replacement
Roof Replacement
Driveway / Parking Pad
Swimming Pool / Spa
Retaining Wall
Demolition / Teardown
Septic System
EV Charger
Standby Generator
Browse by state
Permit rules vary by state and city. Start with your location.
California
Texas
Florida
New York
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Ohio
Georgia
North Carolina
Michigan
New Jersey
Virginia
Washington
Arizona
Massachusetts
Tennessee
Indiana
Missouri
Maryland
Wisconsin
Alaska
Alabama
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Hawaii
Iowa
Idaho
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Minnesota
Mississippi
Montana
North Dakota
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Mexico
Nevada
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Utah
Vermont
West Virginia
Wyoming
Your home-project decision loop
One site, start to finish — from “do I need a permit?” to “my warranty denied the repair.”
1 · Check the permit
2 · Benchmark & negotiate
3 · Appeal a denied warranty claim
Guides & printable checklists
When you're stuck — legalizing unpermitted work, getting a permit, or pulling your own. Take the checklists to the job site.
Costs, data & specialist tools
Go deeper on fees, regional costs, and specific scenarios.
Permit fees
Per-state fee data
Renovate vs. add on
HOA vs. city rules
Quote analyzer
Warranty appeal tool
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Usually yes if the deck is attached or stands more than about 30 in above grade; low, freestanding decks are often exempt. Check your state with the permit checker.
Who issues the permit — city or county?
In unincorporated areas the county building department issues it; inside an incorporated city, the city does. Use the county pages to find the right office.
Can I pull my own permit?
In most states a homeowner can pull their own permit for their primary residence (owner-builder), though licensed trades are often still required. See the owner-builder guide.
What if I built without a permit?
You can usually legalize it with an after-the-fact permit and pass the required inspections. See the built-without-a-permit guide.
My contractor quote looks high — or my warranty denied the repair?
Benchmark the quote against the regional baseline and negotiate with a script (contractor negotiator). If a home-warranty company denied the repair, counter it with a demand letter and the right state regulator (warranty appeal).