Owner-builder Permits in Hawaii

In Hawaii, a contractor’s license is required for any project where labor and materials are over $1000 and for any project that requires a building permit.

In certain cases, some owners may elect to do the work themselves rather than hiring a contractor. In this case, they are solely responsible for the work on the project, i.e. a homeowner with an owner-builder permit is treated as a general contractor for the project and is responsible for ensuring the project meets county building codes. After the work has been completed, the project needs to be inspected by a county building inspector. Hawaii law also requires owner-builders to keep and maintain certain records for up to 3 years after project completion. To qualify for an owner-builder:

-        The work performed is for their personal residence (residential or farm structures; owner-builder permits are not available for industrial or commercial buildings)

-        Does not include electrical or plumbing work (these need to be done by licensed contractors)

-        Restricted from selling or leasing the structure for one year

For more information, please visit Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 444-Contractors

To call Department of Planning and Permitting: 808-768-8220.

I hope you found the info helpful- Aloha!