Permits for Bathroom Remodels: What to Know
Permits help ensure work, such as structural, electrical and plumbing changes, meet code and safety requirements. Inspections are often part of the process. Permits and inspections add time and cost, so knowing when they’re required helps you create a budget and timeline for a remodel. Not having the right permits can be more costly, adding fees, fines, delays and safety risks to your project. Lack of permits might even complicate selling your home.
Requirements vary by location, so to understand if you’re project requires permits, you need:
1. A detailed plan of the work
2. A review of the plan by your local building authority
There’s no definitive list of bathroom renovation work that requires permits, but here are some examples of work that usually requires permits, changes that sometimes require permits and updates that usually don’t require them.
Work That Typically Requires Permits
Permits are usually a requirement if you plan to:
- Create new construction or additions
- Make structural changes, such as removing a load-bearing wall or altering the ceiling or floor structure
- Move or add doors, windows or skylights
- Move water supply lines or drain lines
- Do work that affects sewer lines
- Do electrical work such as installing new circuits, fixtures, switches or receptacles
- Change heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including ductwork
- Replace a water heater
- Do work with gas lines, appliances, fittings, etc.
Work That Sometimes Require Permits
Permits might be a requirement to:
- Replace existing electrical fixtures, outlets and switches
- Replace existing bathroom sink faucets, tub faucets and shower faucets
- Replace tubs, showers sinks and toilets
- Move non-load-bearing walls
Work That Typically Doesn’t Require Permits
You probably won’t need permits if you:
- Replace existing doors or windows in the same location without changing the wall
- Replace a showerhead
- Paint and wallpaper the walls
- Install new bathroom cabinets and countertops
- Install new tile, laminate, vinyl, etc. flooring
This is not a complete list and permit requirements vary by location. Some areas might require a licensed professional for some work. Always check with your local building authority before beginning work.
FAQs on Bathroom Remodels and Permits
Use the answers to these common questions about bathroom additions and remodels to plan your project and avoid extra costs and delays.
How Do You Get a Permit to Add a Bathroom?
Contact your local building authority to get the permits you need to add a bathroom. You’ll likely need plans for the work you’ll be doing. The building authority can tell you which permits are necessary (building, electrical, plumbing, etc.), as well as the process and cost for getting the permits. They can also tell you what inspections are necessary so you can plan your timeline.
What Happens If You Add a Bathroom Without a Permit?
Adding a bathroom without a permit can be costly and time consuming, like doing any work without the required permits. There might be fees and fines for work done without a permit. The work might have to stop and you might have to redo work you’ve completed without a permit. When you try to sell your house, any work you’ve done without the necessary permits can slow the process or put the sale on hold.
Does a Permit Mean You Need an Inspection?
Yes, in most cases if you need a permit for the work, you need to arrange an inspection to ensure you’ve done the work according to local code requirements. It’s a good idea to understand inspection requirements before you begin a project since they can affect your timeline. You might be able to plan the work to minimize any potential delay.
Get Help With Your Remodel or Renovation From Lowe’s
Lowe’s has a range of resources to help you complete a bathroom remodel or renovation. You can shop Lowes.com for new fixtures, hardware, paint, flooring and more. Use our Flooring Visualizer and Paint Visualizer to get an idea of how your options look in a home. Stop by your local Lowe’s to talk to a Red Vest associate. about your plans. And if you don’t want to do the work yourself, see how Lowe’s can help with your bathroom installation project.