Often when a homeowner is considering a bathroom remodel or simply updating their existing bathroom the first question they ask is “Do I need a permit?”. Or sometimes it may be “How much does a bathroom remodel cost”. Either way we have the answer for you.
The City of Lake Forest encourages all homeowners to pull permits on a bathroom remodeling project even if it is a simple tear out and put back. Meaning, if you want to keep the locations all of your plumbing fixtures and electrical fixtures in the same place and simply want to update them with new materials? Then yes, the City of Lake Forest would like for you to apply for a permit.
However, before you take a visit to the Village Hall we suggest scheduling a consultation with your prospective bathroom designer or contractor to firm up all of the details first. After meeting with your bathroom design firm you will have a much better idea of the actual design and plumbing or electrical schematics that will be required in your permit application. Often the bathroom design firm you are working with will take care of the majority of the required application process and alleviate the homeowner of this.
Kitchens & Baths Unlimited has been working in Lake Forest for over the last 30 years and therefore is very familiar with the recent codes and guidelines required when doing bathroom renovations. Some of the main codes are as follows:
- New Shower valves shall have integral stops and be of the temperature limiting type.
- Shower drains and vents need be no smaller than 2” diameter and connected directly to the 4” soil pipe and shall not be used as a common waste line with other fixtures.
- Plumbing installed on an exterior wall shall be installed in a secondary wall built in front of an insulated and dry walled exterior wall.
- Hot water and circulating piping shall be insulated to a minimum R-3 per the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code.
- All Drywall shall be ½” or 5/8” Fire code type X. All sheathing used for backing tiled walls shall be cement board.
- All recess lights installed in a thermal barrier shall be rated for insulated ceilings (IC) and be of the air tight type with sealing gasket. Shower and tub lights shall be rated for wet locations and have enclosed lamps.
- All glazing around tubs and showers (including windows) shall be safety glass in accordance to Section R308 of the International Residence Code, 2003 Edition.
- All tub decks and shower seats shall be insulated and drywalled below them to the floor.
- All bath exhaust fans shall be sized at 2 cfm per square foot and discharged to the exterior.
- All draft-stopping and fire-stopping shall be completed for the rough-in inspection.
These are just a handful of codes that come up on every bathroom remodel. The numerous codes and regulations that need to be met on a rough-in and a final inspection are extensive. Each bathroom remodel in Lake Forest will be unique and have its own set of guidelines and codes that need to be met. For competent and experienced contractors this is simply another walk in the park. Don’t fret over the permit application process contact Kitchens & Baths Unlimited today and let their 30 years of experience handle it for you.
