When the county asks for an engineer
A building inspector has to see structural work before it is covered. When drywall, siding or a slab is already in place, the inspector can no longer verify the framing, and the county will usually ask for a signed and sealed letter, affidavit or set of as-built drawings from a Florida Professional Engineer instead. Owner-builders closing out their own permits see this request often.
How the evaluation works
We start with what you already have: the permit number, the county's comment or notice, and any photos taken during construction. Photos from before the drywall went up are the most valuable thing you can send. Then we visit the site, measure and document the work, and check it against the Florida Building Code.
- Non-destructive review first: what can be seen, measured and confirmed from photos
- If a key element is hidden, we tell you where a small inspection opening is needed before going further
- A plain-language summary of what is acceptable and what, if anything, needs to change
- A signed and sealed letter or as-built drawings for the county once the work is confirmed
What an engineer can and can't certify
An engineer can only certify what can be verified. If a connection, header or anchor is completely hidden and there are no photos, we will say so and recommend the least invasive way to check it. That honesty is what makes the letter hold up when the county reviews it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you help if the work was done without a permit?
Yes. We evaluate the existing work so you can apply for an after-the-fact permit with the engineering the county requires.
Will you need to open walls?
Not always. Construction photos often answer the question. If a critical element can't be seen, we'll explain exactly where and why a small opening is needed before anything is cut.
Do you work with owner-builders?
Yes. A large share of our permit letters are for homeowners acting as their own contractor in Pasco County.
How much does after-the-fact (as-built) permit cost in Tampa Bay?
Our fixed price starts at $1,600. Your exact price depends on the size and complexity of the project and what your county requires, and you get it in writing before you pay. There is no hourly billing. Typical turnaround is 5–7 business days.
Areas we serve most
Based in New Port Richey, we work across Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando and Hillsborough counties, including New Port Richey, Holiday, Port Richey, Trinity, Hudson, Odessa, Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Spring Hill, Brooksville, Tampa, and projects throughout Florida.