The building permit process

The rules regarding building permits are extensive and municipalities today require more documents and documentation than just a few years ago. In addition to general provisions, municipalities have different practices and individual case officers can assess identical conditions differently.

Every week we prepare new building permit applications for municipalities across the country. We liaise with case officers and revise drawings according to local requirements. The aim is always for our customers to get the best possible outcome from the conditions on their plot.

When do I need to apply for a building permit?

Building permits are almost always required if you want to build new, extend or make changes to an existing house. A demolition permit is also needed to demolish a house. The conditions for the building permit differ depending on whether your property is within a detailed development plan area or outside the plan. You can find the rules for building permits here at Boverket >

What is a new building map?

To construct a main building or a larger extension, a new building map is usually required and is ordered from the municipality. It shows the property in detail and includes ground conditions, elevations, boundaries and water and sewer connections. Having the map delivered can take about a month, so it is important to order it well in advance before the building permit application is to be started. The municipality charges a fee for the map in addition to the building permit fee. For building permits for smaller extensions and accessory dwellings, simpler maps are often sufficient.

What does a start decision mean?

When you have received a building permit you may not start the work until the municipality has given a start decision. To obtain such a decision you submit a proposed control plan and the technical documents that the municipality requests. If the municipality requires it you also need a completion guarantee. When this is approved you receive a start decision. The construction must then be started within two years and be completed within five years.

What do final certificate and final consultation mean?

When the work is completed you need a final certificate to be able to move into the house. Prior to that the municipality calls a final consultation at the construction site with you and your person responsible for control. You should then be able to show documentation of the work performed, how the control plan has been fulfilled and that the construction meets the requirements that the municipality has set up.

Does that sound complicated? With our Totalansvar service we handle the entire process and you don't need to worry about anything yourself.