The Overlooked Requirement Many Skip Before Starting A Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling your bathroom on your own is a big undertaking that can be tough but rewarding in the end. However, if you are starting your own bathroom remodel without the help of a professional, you may be overlooking an important requirement that most people don't know about. When you make major modifications to your home that revolve around plumbing, electricity, and other regulated building codes, you may be doing a type of home renovation that requires a permit before starting.

Before you start a bathroom remodel in your home, you should make sure that you follow all local regulations and guidelines to stay compliant with current building and safety laws. Many locations require a permit for a bathroom remodel to ensure building codes are followed and that no major infractions are introduced into the home during the renovation process. Obtaining a permit could involve having an inspection done, paying application fees, and presenting official renovation plans to your local authorities. Staying compliant with local laws and regulations is just one more reason why Scott McGillivray (from HGTV) is begging you not to do a bathroom remodel without planning ahead.

You may be wondering why it is so important to get a permit before you start a bath remodel. Ultimately, it comes down to safety. Building codes and regulations are designed to protect the people who live in or occupy the home, especially in emergencies such as fires or natural disasters. If your remodel involves any regulated building features, including, but not limited to, plumbing, electrical, or structural elements, you might need to wrestle with a little paperwork first. While not all states have the same requirements, major changes that impact the overall floor plan of the bathroom will usually need to be approved by local authorities to ensure building codes are met.

As you browse bathroom remodel ideas, be aware of common renovations that may require a permit before you finalize your plans or your budget. For example, if you want to expand the bathroom or alter its size in any way — especially if you plan to remove any walls — you will need approval for structural changes. You may also need to have the wall evaluated to determine if it is a load-bearing wall. Alternatively, if you want to move the location of any fixtures with plumbing, like the toilet or sink, you will need approval for plumbing changes, and you will need to follow local plumbing codes. However, if you are just going to make cosmetic changes or replace existing features, a permit will probably not be necessary.