Hold Up! Do You Need Permits for That Bathroom Remodel?

Check your city’s residential permit rules

A residential permit is like a permission slip from your local government granting you (the homeowner) or your contractor to carry on with your remodeling project. It sounds like bureaucracy, but permits are meant to serve as a safeguard for homeowners.

Permits for projects ensure that the work complies with local policies like land use, zoning, and construction. That means the future structure will be safe for you and future occupants.

Here’s where it gets confusing: There are no federal or state-level permit standards for homeowners to follow. Permit requirements will be specific to your individual county and city, as will building codes and local land use laws.

If you choose to work with a contractor on your bathroom remodel, it’s likely they’ll take care of the permitting process (but always double-check!) Generally, if you use a contractor, they should apply for the permit in their name. If you’re going the DIY route, here’s what you can generally expect when seeking out a permit:

1. Start by browsing your city or country’s government website to see if your project requires a permit. Typically, you can find these documents under “permitting, license, and inspections” offices. When in doubt, reach out directly to the office, detailing your remodel — you might even need more than one permit depending on the complexity of the project.

2. Complete the permit, including as much information as possible. Some local governments now allow applicants to complete the permit entirely online.

3. Return the completed permit and pay the fee to file it. Fees will vary based on location and project. If your project is relatively simple, the office may approve it on the spot. If it’s more complicated, you’ll need to wait days or weeks for sign-off.

4. Once approved, you’ll get one of those tell-tale bright orange permits to post in your window while the project is underway.

5. It will vary depending on where you live, as well as the complexity of the remodel, but an inspector from the city may be required to check out the progress of the work before it’s completed.

6. When the project is complete and approved by an inspector, you can toss the orange permit and enjoy your new bathroom.

DIY vs. contractor bathroom remodel

Even deceptively-easy DIY projects might require a permit. It’s not about who is doing the work, explains San Francisco real estate agent Amanda Jones, it’s about what work is being done. In her 21 years of experience, she’s seen a ton of bathroom remodeling projects, many with mixed results.

While the bathroom remodel project may seem easy, sometimes it’s best to call a professional. “I can’t emphasize this enough,” Jones says, “when you’re dealing with water, on top of electricity, the work really matters. I have seen so many jobs where people don’t do proper waterproofing.”

Bathroom projects that will likely require permits

As a general rule, you should anticipate applying for permits for any of the following bathroom projects:

• Adding a sink, or moving an existing one
  If you need to add new plumbing lines to your bathroom to accommodate a new sink or move an existing one to another spot in the bathroom, you’ll need a permit.
• Structural changes and additions
  Any project that drastically changes the footprint of the bathroom will likely require a permit. That could even be a move as small as building a new dividing wall or moving an existing shower wall.
• Plumbing or sewage projects
  “The rule of thumb on a bathroom remodel is that if you need to open or penetrate the walls, you will likely need a permit,” says Jones. Any projects where plumbing is moved or extended will require a permit.
• Projects that require a dumpster on a public street
  If you are undergoing demolition and need a dumpster, you’ll have to apply for a permit if it rests in the street instead of a driveway.
• Replacing a water heater
  If your remodel comes with a new water heater, you’ll need to apply for a permit.
• Adding windows or skylights
  A new window or skylight will change the structure of the bathroom and requires a permit.
• Adding a new outlet
  In some cities, this electrical work will require a permit.
• Installing tile
  Because tiling the bathroom deals with waterproofing and plumbing, you may need a permit to install it, says Jones.
• Replacing a bathtub
  Similar to installing tile, the waterproofing and structural needs of a new bathtub mean applying for a permit.

Bathroom projects that may (or may not) require permits

While you can be almost certain you’ll need a permit with some projects, others fall into a gray area. If you’re considering any of the following, make sure you contact your local permitting office to confirm before getting started:

• Demolishing a (non load-bearing) wall
  Removing a non load-bearing wall might require a permit. This will also serve as a safeguard to make sure the wall isn’t critical to preserving your home’s structural stability.
• The cost of the project is above a specific threshold
  In some cities and counties, the estimated cost of work may trigger a permit. For example, if the cost of your project is estimated to be over $5,000, you may need to apply for a permit, no matter the project.

Bathroom projects that rarely require a permit

Always double-check with local laws and ordinances, but these bathroom updates typically don’t need a permit:

• Swapping existing fixtures or finishes
  If your project is a simple swap, you probably won’t need a permit. That includes changing existing flooring, replacing a toilet or sink (in the same location), or changing a light fixture.
• Painting
  Adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t deal with electrical, plumbing, or structure, and does not need a permit.
• Countertop projects
  You can often swap out existing countertops or extend your countertop without applying for a permit.

With any bathroom remodel project, double-check with your city or county before moving forward, sans permit.

Types of permits required for bathroom remodels

Not all bathroom remodel projects are planned alike. When planning a bathroom remodel, understanding the types of permits you may need is essential to your project’s compliance with local regulations. Depending on the scope of your remodel, the permits required can vary. Below are the most common types of permits associated with bathroom renovations:

1. Building Permit
A building permit is typically required if your remodel involves structural changes. This includes altering walls, adding new windows, or expanding the bathroom’s footprint. Structural updates often impact the integrity of the home and therefore require careful oversight.

2. Plumbing Permit
If your remodel involves modifying or installing new plumbing fixtures — such as sinks, toilets, bathtubs, or showers — you’ll likely need a plumbing permit. This ensures all plumbing work meets local safety codes and prevents potential issues like leaks or water damage.

3. Electrical Permit
Adding or upgrading electrical wiring or fixtures, such as lighting, outlets, or exhaust fans, usually requires an electrical permit. This permit guarantees that all electrical installations adhere to safety standards and reduce fire risks.

4. Mechanical Permit
If your remodel involves changes to heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) systems — like installing a new ventilation fan or modifying ductwork — a mechanical permit may be required. Proper ventilation is critical for preventing mold and maintaining indoor air quality.

5. Specialized Permits
In some areas, you may need additional permits for unique elements like gas lines, solar panels, or custom designs. Checking with your local building department is essential to identify any specialized permits that apply to your project.

Obtaining the right permits not only ensures that your bathroom remodel is legally compliant but also safeguards your home and family by adhering to safety and quality standards. Taking the time to secure these permits before starting your project can save you from costly fines, legal complications, or delays down the line.

By understanding these requirements upfront, you’ll be better prepared to work with inspectors and professionals throughout the renovation process.

What to expect from bathroom permit inspections along the way

Depending on the complexity of your bathroom remodel, you can expect one or several inspections from the city, says Jones. For example, if the permit includes plumbing, electrical, and building components, you might have three different visits from city building inspectors.

In that case, plumbing and electrical inspectors will stop by first, when the wall is still open and the work can be examined up close. From there, with sign-offs from plumbing and electrical (if applicable), an inspector would stop by to inspect the building once the walls have come up or been patched. That inspection would be the final sign-off, Jones says.

But, if your project is relatively simple, an inspection could be as easy as sending photos of your ongoing work to the city or county office. They may be able to sign-off on the progress remotely. When you apply for the bathroom remodel permit, you can coordinate inspection timelines with most city or county offices.

Cost of obtaining bathroom remodel permits

The cost of a bathroom remodel permit will vary in price based on both location and complexity of the project. According to Angi, a building permit can cost between $457 and $2,859, on average.

“I typically see that [bathroom remodel permits] are under $1,000,” says Jones. While it could feel like a big and unnecessary expense, it’s hard to put a price tag on the safety and longevity of a project in the long run. Getting a permit requires the homeowner or contractors to do work by the book, ensuring it’ll last and be safe for daily life.

Permits feel like a nuisance: What’s the purpose, role, and benefit of getting them?

“Many times people don’t want to do the permit because they’re worried about the hassle factor,” Jones explains. “They’re concerned about holding up the job.”

Waiting for permits to come through, or inspections to take place, can delay a job in the short term, but getting permits can provide you a sense of safety and security in the work that’ll extend for years to come.

In the event of a home sale, being able to produce permits on your property, “telegraphs that the owner wants to do things by the book and is not cutting corners,” Jones says. Alternatively, you’ll need to apply for permits retroactively or sell the home with unpermitted work at a discount.

Getting a permit after the work is completed might mean cutting open walls to show sound plumbing or electrical, which in Jones’ experience just leads to more work in the long run.

After the fun and excitement of picking new fixtures and a bathtub, looking into permitting can feel like a drag. While the bureaucracy might not be as thrilling as the remodel itself, obtaining permits for projects can add a sense of security that little else can.

It holds you, or your contractors, accountable for a job well done and ensures that your project will hold up for years to come — whether you’re enjoying it yourself, or passing it on to a buyer down the line.

Header Image Source: (Christian Mackie / Unsplash)