Permit type guide · ranked #9 nationally
Bathroom & kitchen remodel permits — complete guide (2026)
Required when moving or adding plumbing or electrical — not for cosmetic work. Many remodels trigger both a plumbing and electrical permit. Knowing the trigger saves homeowners money.
National avg: $150–$600
Approval: 2–10 days
All 50 states
#9 by volume
~160KIssued annually
$150–$600National avg cost
2–10 daysTypical approval
~2%Share of all permits
The permit trigger for remodels is trade work — not the remodel itself. Replacing tile, painting, installing new cabinets, or swapping a vanity in the same location: no permit. Moving a drain, adding an outlet, or relocating a light fixture: permit required.
When you need a remodel permit
| Work type | Permit required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moving any drain or supply line | Always | Plumbing permit required |
| Adding new electrical circuit | Always | Electrical permit required |
| Adding or moving outlets/switches | Always | Same circuit — check locally |
| Moving a toilet | Always | Drain line change required |
| Adding a bathroom (new) | Always | Full plumbing + electrical |
| Replacing tile/flooring | Never | Cosmetic only |
| Cabinet replacement (same location) | Usually not | No structural or trade work |
| Vanity swap (same location) | Usually not | Same drain/supply connections |
How to get a remodel permit — step by step
1
Identify what's moving
Walk through your remodel plan. Any drain, supply line, circuit, or outlet that moves = permit required. Same location swaps = usually no permit.
2
Apply for the right permit(s)
A bathroom remodel may need a plumbing permit, an electrical permit, or both — applied separately at your building department.
3
Schedule rough-in inspections
If moving plumbing, inspector must see rough-in before walls close. Same for electrical rough-in. Plan your timeline around inspection scheduling (often 24–48 hours notice required).
4
Close walls after inspection
Do not close walls until rough inspections pass. This is the most common and most costly mistake in remodel projects.
5
Final inspection
Inspector checks completed work including GFCI outlets (required within 6 feet of water), exhaust fan, and plumbing fixture connections.
Cost by project type
| Project | Permit fee range | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel (cosmetic only) | $0 | No permit needed |
| Bathroom with plumbing changes | $150–$350 | 2–5 days |
| Bathroom with electrical + plumbing | $250–$550 | 3–7 days |
| Full bathroom addition (new) | $400–$800 | 1–3 weeks |
| Kitchen remodel (cosmetic) | $0 | No permit needed |
| Kitchen with electrical + plumbing | $300–$600 | 3–7 days |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace a toilet?
If you're replacing it in the exact same location with no drain work, usually no. If you're moving it even a few inches, a plumbing permit is required.
Are GFCI outlets required in bathroom remodels?
Yes. Any bathroom within 6 feet of a water source requires GFCI protection. If you're doing any electrical work in a bathroom, you'll need to bring all outlets up to current code.
Can I remodel a bathroom without opening the walls?
If you're only doing cosmetic work (tile, fixtures in same location, vanity swap) you may not need to open walls at all — and likely won't need a permit.
What happens if my contractor does work without permits?
You, as the homeowner, are ultimately responsible. You may face fines, required demolition, and difficulty selling. Always confirm your contractor pulls permits before work starts.
Data sources: Shovels.ai national permit aggregator · US Census Bureau BPS · IRC/IBC 2024