Bathroom remodels are one of the most popular home remodels, adding functionality and value to your home. But before you select tiles or a new vanity, there is a very important step homeowners miss: determining whether or not you’ll need a permit. The proper permits make your remodel code-compliant and safe, and save you from fines or hassle down the line if you ever have to sell your home. If you’re planning bathroom remodeling in Scottsdale, understanding local codes will also save you time and money.
Local Codes
Remodel permits aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Permits and building codes are city, county, or municipal based. Something that would require a permit in one location would be a straightforward, no-permit-required situation in another.
For instance, in larger cities with strict building regulations, even minor electric or plumbing alterations will require permits. In small towns or rural areas, permits may only be required for significant structural overhauls. Your first move before beginning a remodel should always be a trip to your city’s website or a call to your city building department to clarify bathroom permit requirements. Professionals such as interior designers will also have experience in this area, thankfully.
What Kinds of Bathroom Projects Require a Permit?
Not all bathrooms need a permit to be remodeled. Cosmetic remodels, like painting the walls, installing new lighting, or installing a new mirror, generally do not require a permit. When you’re performing construction that will change the configuration of the bathroom, however, permits generally are required.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
If you’re moving plumbing lines, say, from a shower to a bathtub or moving the sink, a permit will probably be needed. So will changes to electrical work, too, like moving outlets farther apart or adding a heated floor system; these almost always need permits so that they’ll be code-compliant for safety. Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom? The answer is usually yes for large plumbing or electrical changes.
Structural Changes
Considering tearing out a wall or renovating your bathroom? Any change to a building, including moving load-bearing walls or putting in windows, likely require a permit to offer adequate support as well as comply with safety codes.
Adding New Features
Large projects such as the installation of a bathroom in an unfinished attic or basement will probably require a permit because such a project will entail electrical, plumbing, and structure work. Do you need a permit to renovate a bathroom that already exists? Major additions almost always require one.
How to Obtain a Bathroom Remodel Permit
Getting permits seems scary, but you don’t necessarily have to tackle it by yourself. Most interior designers and contractors in your region are familiar with the permit system, and they can draft the application for you. They will submit and get the plans approved in the right way and in a timely manner.
Obtaining a permit usually involves submitting detailed design plans, an application fee, and one or more inspections that are done through the process during the remodel. A bathroom renovation permit ensures work on your bathroom is done to safety standards for you, and for whoever may eventually live there.
When is a Permit Not Required?
While there are certainly aspects of a bathroom remodel that actually do require a permit, there are others you can accomplish without it. If the remodel is strictly cosmetic, such as refinishing cabinets, replacing faucets, or installing new tiles, you most likely will not have to ask permission. Whether the remodel contains elements of structural, plumbing, or electrical modifications will often be the deciding factor.
Before anything else, though, it is worth calling up your local building department and asking if there are some gray areas. Doing the work without having a permit as required can lead to fines, forced remodeling, or issues reselling your home.
Remodeling Responsibly
Going through the process of determining whether you will or will not require a permit for your bathroom remodeling can be an extra step, but one that is absolutely worth it to ensure the validity and safety of your project. Remember, skipping permits is cheaper, but being thoroughly permitted gives your property an immense value and will enable you to have peace of mind.
If you are planning to remodel your bathroom and have no idea where to begin, we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through the permit process so that it gets done right from the beginning to the end. We’ll also answer your questions so you don’t need to go through the day with headaches!
Lauren Lerner is the founder of Living With Lolo, a nationally recognized Scottsdale interior designer and an Arizona licensed general contractor. She is celebrated for creating luxury homes that are warm, livable, and deeply personal, blending thoughtful design with seamless construction and curated furnishings. Recognized as one of Arizona’s top interior designers, Lauren has worked with celebrities, athletes, and executives across the country. Her work, known for its elevated yet inviting style, has been featured in multiple national publications. Guided by the belief that great design should feel as good as it looks, Lauren transforms houses into homes that truly reflect her clients’ lives.