Who typically pays for the building permit according to general practice?

In general practice, it is customary for the contractor to pay for building permits unless the contract specifies otherwise. This is primarily due to the fact that contractors are typically responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and approvals to ensure that the construction complies with local regulations. They manage the application process and can address any issues that arise during the permitting phase, which often includes paying the associated fees.

Contracts may vary, and sometimes the responsibility for permit fees can be assigned to the owner or another party based on the terms laid out within the contract documents. However, unless explicitly stated, the default assumption is that the contractor will cover these costs as part of their obligations. This arrangement keeps the workflow organized and helps to ensure that the project adheres to regulatory requirements without delays.