Do-it-yourselfers also must know which projects need city permits, Arnold said.

“Even if you’re doing it yourself, you still need permits and be inspected by the city to see that you’re doing it to code,” he said.

Muskogee city ordinances allow homeowners to do their own plumbing, electrical and home-mechanical work if they own AND live in the property. Any work done on rental or commercial property must be done by city-licensed contractors, said Dan Hurd, city residential building inspector.

Also, even with an owner-occupied residence, there are certain plumbing projects that must be done by a licensed contractor, he said.

Tapping in to city water and sewer lines must be done by contractors, he said.

“There are multiple service lines in that area,” Hurd said. “The typical homeowner does not have the insurance to cover it.”

Hurd said minor projects, such as replacing a faucet, do not require inspections or permits.

Muskogee inspection fees

• $50 residential flat fee.

• Storm shelter, $20 inspection fee.

• Plumbing permit: $20 inspection fee; $20 reinspection fee if additional trip; $30 inspection outside normal business hours; $35 water or sewer inspection outside city limits.

• Electrical permit: $20 inspection fee; $20 reinspection if needed; $30 inspection fee outside normal business hours.

• Mechanical permit: $20 inspection fee; $20 reinspection if needed; $30 inspection fee outside normal business hours.