Bathroom Remodel Permits in Boise
Everything you need to know about building, plumbing, and electrical permits for bathroom remodeling in Boise and Ada County, Idaho.
Not every bathroom update requires a permit. The distinction is straightforward: cosmetic changes are generally permit-free, while anything that alters plumbing, electrical, or structural systems requires a permit from the City of Boise or Ada County.
Permit Required
- Moving, adding, or removing plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink, shower, tub)
- Relocating supply lines, drain lines, or vent stacks
- Adding or relocating electrical circuits, outlets, or switches
- Installing a new exhaust fan with ductwork changes
- Removing or modifying a load-bearing wall
- Adding or enlarging a window
- Converting a tub to a walk-in shower (plumbing reconfiguration)
- Installing in-floor radiant heating (electrical permit)
- Adding a new bathroom where one did not previously exist
- Changing the bathroom footprint or expanding into adjacent space
No Permit Needed
- Painting walls and ceiling
- Replacing cabinet hardware, towel bars, and accessories
- Swapping a faucet for a new one (same location, no valve changes)
- Replacing a toilet with a new one (same location, same flange)
- Installing a new mirror or medicine cabinet
- Replacing a light fixture (same location, same circuit)
- Re-caulking or re-grouting existing tile
- Replacing a showerhead
- Updating outlet and switch cover plates
When in doubt, contact the City of Boise Development Services at (208) 384-3830 or consult with Iron Crest Remodel — we will tell you exactly what permits your project requires at no cost during your free estimate.
The permit process follows a consistent sequence. Iron Crest manages every step on your behalf, but understanding the process helps set realistic expectations for your project timeline.
Application Submission
Iron Crest prepares and submits the permit application to the City of Boise Development Services or Ada County Development Services (depending on your property location). Applications include project scope description, floor plans, plumbing diagrams, and electrical layouts as required.
Plan Review
The jurisdictional authority reviews submitted plans for compliance with the International Building Code (IBC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), National Electrical Code (NEC), and any Idaho-specific amendments. Standard review takes 5–10 business days. Complex projects or historic district submissions may take 2–3 weeks.
Permit Issuance
Once plans are approved, the permit is issued and must be posted on the job site in a visible location. The permit specifies what work is authorized and which inspections are required. Construction cannot begin until the permit is in hand.
Rough-In Inspections
After plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing rough-in work is complete — but before walls are closed — the inspector verifies that all work meets code. This is the most critical inspection: it confirms that the hidden infrastructure is safe and correct.
Final Inspections
After all finish work is complete (fixtures installed, tile grouted, electrical devices connected), final inspections for plumbing, electrical, and building are scheduled. Each trade is typically inspected separately.
Certificate of Completion
Once all final inspections pass, the permit is closed and a certificate of completion is issued. This document proves the work was performed legally and to code — critical for insurance coverage and future resale.
Permit fees are a small fraction of the total project cost but are non-negotiable. Iron Crest includes all permit fees in your project estimate — no hidden charges.
| Permit Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit | $150 – $400 | Based on project valuation. Most bathroom remodels fall in the $150–$300 range. Full gut renovations of large master baths may reach $400. |
| Plumbing Permit | $75 – $150 | Required for any plumbing work beyond a basic fixture swap. Covers rough-in and final plumbing inspections. |
| Electrical Permit | $75 – $150 | Required for new circuits, outlet additions, panel modifications, or heated floor installations. |
| Plan Review Fee | $50 – $150 | Included in some permit applications, charged separately in others. Applies when detailed plans are submitted for review. |
| Re-inspection Fee | $50 – $100 | Charged if an inspection fails and must be re-scheduled. Proper preparation eliminates this cost. |
Total permit costs for a typical bathroom remodel: $300–$700 including all required permits, plan review, and inspections.
Each permitted trade requires specific inspections at defined stages of construction. Missing an inspection means opening up finished work — which is why Iron Crest schedules every inspection proactively and never covers work before it passes.
Rough Plumbing
When: After supply, drain, and vent installation — before wall closure
Inspector checks: Pipe sizing, slope, material compliance, vent configuration, valve placement, pressure test
Rough Electrical
When: After wiring, boxes, and circuits installed — before wall closure
Inspector checks: Wire gauge, circuit breaker sizing, GFCI protection, box fill, grounding, exhaust fan wiring
Waterproofing / Shower Pan
When: After waterproof membrane installed — before tile
Inspector checks: Membrane integrity, flood test (shower pan holds water for specified duration), seam overlaps, drain connection
Final Plumbing
When: After all fixtures installed and connected
Inspector checks: Fixture operation, leak check, hot/cold supply correct, anti-scald valve function, drain flow
Final Electrical
When: After all devices, fixtures, and covers installed
Inspector checks: GFCI function, outlet polarity, fixture operation, exhaust fan CFM, switch operation, panel labeling
Final Building
When: After all work complete
Inspector checks: Overall code compliance, fire stopping, ventilation, structural integrity (if applicable), accessibility compliance
Skipping permits might seem like it saves time and money, but the risks far outweigh the small cost and effort of doing it right. Here is what is at stake.
Insurance Denial
If unpermitted plumbing or electrical work causes water damage, fire, or injury, your homeowner's insurance company can deny the claim. Policies typically exclude damage resulting from work performed without required permits. A single water damage claim denial can cost more than the entire remodel.
Resale Complications
When you sell your home, the buyer's inspector and appraiser will identify unpermitted work. This creates leverage for price reductions, delays closing, or kills deals entirely. In Boise's competitive market, buyers have options — and unpermitted bathrooms are a red flag that sophisticated buyers and their agents will catch.
Safety Hazards
Building codes exist to prevent fires, water damage, and health hazards. Incorrect plumbing can cause sewer gas leaks or contaminated water. Improper electrical work causes fires. Inadequate waterproofing leads to mold behind walls — a health hazard that costs $5,000–$20,000 to remediate.
Forced Removal and Redo
If the city discovers unpermitted work (through a neighbor complaint, future permit application, or sale inspection), they can issue a stop-work order and require you to obtain a retroactive permit. In worst cases, finished work must be opened up or demolished for inspection — at your expense.
Permits should never be your problem. As a licensed Idaho contractor, Iron Crest Remodel manages the entire permit process as part of every bathroom remodel — it is included in your project cost, not an add-on.
Our Full-Service Permit Management Includes:
- Determining exactly which permits your project requires
- Preparing all application documents and construction plans
- Submitting applications to the correct jurisdiction
- Paying all permit fees (included in your project cost)
- Scheduling all required inspections at the right construction stage
- Being present for every inspection to answer questions
- Addressing any inspector corrections immediately
- Obtaining the final certificate of completion
- Providing you with copies of all permits and inspection records
- Ensuring all work meets or exceeds Idaho building code
Permits are one piece of the planning process. These companion guides cover cost, timeline, and material decisions.
Common questions about bathroom remodel permits in Boise and Ada County.
Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom in Boise?
It depends on the scope. Cosmetic updates like painting, replacing hardware, and swapping fixtures in the same location generally do not require permits. However, any work involving plumbing changes, electrical modifications, structural alterations, or layout changes requires a building permit from the City of Boise or Ada County. Most bathroom remodels beyond a surface refresh will need at least a building and plumbing permit.
How much do bathroom remodel permits cost in Ada County?
Total permit costs for a typical bathroom remodel in Ada County range from $150 to $500. A building permit costs $150–$400 based on project valuation, plumbing permits run $75–$150, and electrical permits cost $75–$150. Plan review fees of $50–$150 may apply. Iron Crest Remodel includes permit costs in our project estimates so there are no surprises.
How long does it take to get a bathroom permit in Boise?
Standard plan review by the City of Boise or Ada County takes 5–10 business days. Simple permits for fixture replacements may be issued over the counter in 1–2 days. Projects requiring structural review, or those located in Boise's historic districts (North End, Warm Springs), may take 2–3 weeks. Iron Crest submits permits immediately after contract signing to avoid construction delays.
What inspections are required for a bathroom remodel in Boise?
A typical bathroom remodel requires rough plumbing inspection, rough electrical inspection, a waterproofing or shower pan inspection, and final inspections for plumbing, electrical, and building. Each inspection must pass before the next phase of construction proceeds. Iron Crest schedules all inspections and is present for each one to address any questions from the inspector.
Does Iron Crest Remodel handle permits for bathroom remodels?
Yes — permit management is included in every Iron Crest bathroom remodel. We prepare all applications, submit plans, pay permit fees (included in your project cost), schedule all required inspections, and ensure every inspection passes. You never need to visit the permit office or coordinate with inspectors yourself. This is part of our full-service approach to remodeling in Boise.
We Handle the Permits — You Enjoy the Results
Iron Crest Remodel manages every permit, inspection, and code requirement for your Boise bathroom remodel. Get started with a free estimate.