In today’s construction market, schedules are tighter, budgets are thinner, and the pressure to execute is greater than usual. General contractors must consider different approaches to construction to meet their customer requirements. One overlooked tool that can help general contractors stay ahead is the strategic use of phased and deferred permits.

This isn’t just theory. PermitUsNow has helped many contractors with project phasing and over the years, I’ve written extensively about phased permitting in articles like “The Construction Business is Changing. Are Your Permitting Strategies Keeping Up?” and about deferred permitting in discussions on architectural planning. The message is the same today as it was then: when you understand how to align permitting with the realities of construction, you gain an edge.

Here are five practical ways contractors can leverage phased and deferred permits to avoid costly delays and strengthen relationships on every project.

1. Phasing Work Keeps Projects Moving

   Large projects can stall when everyone waits for a single, all-encompassing permit. By breaking the work into permit packages — demolition, foundation, shell, interiors -general contractors can mobilize crews and subcontractors earlier. For example, a demo or foundation package can be reviewed and approved while MEP drawings are still being finalized.

   For general contractors, this means equipment moving, boots on the ground sooner and fewer days lost.

2. Deferred Submittals Manage Long Lead Items

   Specialty systems—like fire suppression, curtainwall, or elevator packages—often have design details and product specs that follow the main set of construction documents. Deferred permits allow contractors to submit these packages later while keeping the overall project moving.

   By flagging deferred items early and coordinating with the GC, these subs can reduce the risk of last minute what-the-heck just happened and keep schedules intact.

3. Reducing Rework and Review Bottlenecks

   Submitting smaller, phased packages reduces the chance of a “full set” being rejected due to one issue. This by itself is a huge time and money saver on large projects. Plan reviewers can focus on narrower scopes, approve them faster, and flag code issues early.

   The earlier you identify and correct discrepancies, the fewer delays you’ll face. This translates to less rework and more predictable inspections.

4. Strengthening GC & Owner Relationships

   Contractors who understand how to use phased and deferred permitting don’t just save themselves time, they make job easier to manage. GCs that anticipate hurdles, communicate proactively to Owner’s, help keep milestone dates intact.

   By planning permitting with the end in mind, contractors show themselves to be reliable partners who see the bigger picture.

5. Mitigating Economic and Supply Chain Risks

   Phased and deferred permits are not just about paperwork; they are also risk-management tools. When inflation spikes or supply chains tighten, these strategies allow contractors to lock in early scopes while adjusting later packages to real-time market conditions.

   This aligns with the points I raised in my article 5 Construction Permitting Strategies to Prepare for a Possible Fed Rate Cut in 2025. The lesson is clear: smart permitting isn’t just about compliance—it’s about flexibility in uncertain times.

Closing Thought

Great general contractors are more than just skilled tradespeople; they are partners who help keep projects on track. Phased and deferred permitting give you a way to demonstrate foresight, professionalism, and leadership.

At PermitUsNow, we’ve helped countless contractors navigate project phasing strategies successfully. By starting early with permitting in planning as a core part of execution, you position your company as a trusted GC that owners will engage on projects again and again.

I look forward to connecting with contractors who carry permitting responsibilities at upcoming industry association events and at the Subcontractors USA E.C.O Summit where PermitUsNow is a sponsor. Let’s talk about how phased and deferred permitting can help you avoid costly delays and win more work in today’s competitive environment.