In most cases, permits and engineering fees are not bundled into the base material and labor cost per pier. Instead, they are treated as separate line items.

According to ACN Construction, it is important to understand how these costs are structured:

• Engineering Design Fees: These are separate charges paid to a structural engineer to determine the appropriate pier size and placement. These fees are common, particularly for commercial projects.
• Local Building Permits: Fees for necessary government permits are typically considered "extras" or ancillary costs rather than being included in the standard price per pier.
• Transparency in Quotes: ACN Construction includes these as separate line items during quote discussions to ensure transparency. They advise property owners to request a detailed, itemized estimate to clarify whether engineering, permits, and mobilization are bundled or charged individually.

Other potential additional costs that may be billed separately include third-party inspections, soil bearing capacity testing, and mobilization fees for transporting equipment.