Bathroom Remodeling Permits in Colorado: What You Need to Know

Remodeling your bathroom in Colorado?   There’s one part of the job that rarely makes it onto your Pinterest board, but it might be the most crucial step of all: permits.

Paperwork may not be glamorous, but skipping it could cost you thousands in fines, derail your project timeline, and saddle your home with long-term legal and financial baggage.  In Colorado, permit requirements aren’t just red tape—they’re roadmaps to doing things right.  Ignore them, and you're gambling with far more than just your bathroom.

Why Permits Matter (Yes, Even for DIY Projects)

Let’s get this out of the way: remodeling without the proper permits is not a clever shortcut.  It's a risk that can snowball fast.

Across Colorado, building departments take unauthorized work seriously.  In Denver, inspectors can “red-tag” your site, shut the job down immediately, and double the permit fees the moment unpermitted work is found.  County officials can fine you $500–$1,000 per violation, plus $100 for every day the issue continues, as outlined in C.R.S. 30-28-124.5.  Some counties, including Colorado Springs and Park County, consider unpermitted work a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and daily fines of $500.

Even if you're never dragged into court, the financial pain can linger.  In Denver, inspectors issue escalating fines starting at $150 for a third visit and can file liens against your property if you ignore repeated notices.

And it doesn’t stop there.  Unpermitted work can void your homeowners' insurance, derail future sales, and raise big red flags with appraisers and lenders.

When Are Bathroom Remodeling Permits Required in Colorado?

Know What Triggers a Permit

For homeowners like you across Colorado, here are some key points to be aware of.  According to the City of Denver’s website, if your project touches structure, plumbing, HVAC, or electrical, you likely need a permit.  That includes:

• Changing the floor plan
  
  
• Removing or modifying load-bearing walls
  
  
• Adding or changing windows, doors, or skylights
  
  
• Installing new electrical outlets or rerouting wiring
  
  
• Relocating or adding plumbing fixtures
  
  
• Installing new ductwork or HVAC components

In short: if your remodel includes opening walls, running wires, moving pipes, or changing structural elements, permits are mandatory.  (Choice City Home Services, 2025)

State-Level Oversight

Colorado’s State Plumbing Board and State Electrical Board require permits for most work outside municipal jurisdictions:

• Plumbing permits: Valid for one year; required for new installations or modifications.
  
  
• Electrical permits: Also valid for one year; required for installing or modifying wiring.
  
  

These state-issued permits fill in the gaps when no local authority has jurisdiction—but local codes still apply wherever local oversight exists.

Local Rules Can Vary (A Lot)

To clarify, it’s essential to note that each city, municipality, or county interprets and enforces building codes in its own unique manner.  For example:

• Jefferson County: A building permit is required for any project that involves changing or removing walls or windows.  Simply swapping out cabinets or flooring?  No permit needed—if you’re not changing layouts or utilities.
  
  
• Denver: Permits are needed for structural changes, plumbing or electrical modifications, and any alterations to the floor plan.
• Larimer County: In Larimer County, a building permit is required for most bathroom remodels, structural changes, and any installation or relocation of plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems.  Cosmetic updates, such as painting, tiling, or cabinet work, do not require a permit, nor do repairs that don’t alter major systems or structures. 

Bottom line: always check your local building department before you swing a hammer.

What Do Permits Cost in Colorado?

The Price Tag

Permit fees can cost as little as $23.50—or as much as $2,500, depending on your project’s scope and your location:

• Boulder County: A plumbing permit for a one-dwelling remodel costs $34.20.
  
  
• Denver: Fees are based on total project value, with plan review fees tacked on at 20% of the permit cost (minimum $100).
  
  
• Broomfield: Fees start at $23.50 for projects under $500 and scale up quickly for larger jobs.

What Else Might You Pay?

In addition to base permit fees, Summit County, Broomfield County, and the City of Denver advise residents to budget for:

• Plan review fees: Often 65% of the building permit fee
  
  
• Re-inspection fees: $150 if you don’t pass the first time
  
  
• Hourly review charges: $50/hour for complex reviews

Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $2,500 in total permit-related costs, depending on the complexity of your bathroom remodel.

State Fee Structures

The Colorado State Plumbing Board uses a valuation-based system. For example:

• $13.60 for projects valued at $100 or less
  
  
• Incremental increases as project value rises
  
  

This fee includes materials, labor, and fixture costs, making it a comprehensive measure of your renovation’s footprint.

✅ Want to Skip the Permit Headaches?

Permits can take weeks to approve—don’t let red tape delay your remodel.

HomePride Bath has pulled thousands of permits across Colorado—and we know every local rule, inspection deadline, and form you'll need.
Let our fully licensed team handle the red tape so you can focus on the fun part: designing your dream bathroom.

👉 Talk to a Remodeling Specialist Today or Download Our Permit-Ready Remodel Checklist

What Happens If You Don’t Get a Permit?

Legal Consequences

According to the Colorado Springs Building Code, each day of noncompliance can be treated as a separate misdemeanor offense. Penalties include:

• Fines of up to $500 per day
  
  
• Jail time up to 90 days
  
  
• Administrative penalties up to $1,000

And yes, enforcement is real—especially when violations are reported or discovered during resale or appraisal.

Financial and Insurance Pitfalls

Claim Denials
In a recent article, Colorado Key Real Estate explains that if unpermitted work is tied to a fire, flood, or structural issue, your insurance provider may legally deny the claim—leaving you 100% responsible for the repair or replacement costs.  No coverage.  No payout.  Just a massive bill.

Policy Cancellation
Econosurance points out that once unpermitted modifications come to light, insurers may decline to renew your policy—or worse, cancel it outright with appropriate notice.

Higher Premiums or Coverage Gaps
Even if they keep you covered, your insurer may raise premiums or limit future claims with added exclusions.  Either way, it costs you.

Home Sale & Financing Challenges

Several local industry experts, including We Buy Houses (Denver), Re/MAX, and Homelight Inc share these financial pitfalls when selling a house with unpermitted work: 

Lower Appraisals and Market Value
Appraisers often disregard unpermitted additions, which means your home could be valued—and priced—well below what you expected.

Buyer Red Flags
Buyers worry about what’s behind the walls.  If they hear "unpermitted work," they may walk away or demand steep discounts.  And in Colorado, sellers are legally required to disclose known unpermitted work.  Failing to do so could trigger lawsuits or financial penalties down the line.

Financing Hurdles
Many lenders won’t finance homes with unpermitted renovations.  That limits your buyer pool to cash-only purchasers—and significantly reduces your leverage in negotiations.

Post-Sale Liability
Even after the sale, a former owner may face legal action if the buyer later discovers safety issues or code violations associated with unpermitted work.

Colorado-Specific Legal Considerations

• Mandatory Disclosure: Colorado real estate law obligates sellers to disclose any known unpermitted improvements.  Concealing that information opens the door to civil lawsuits and potential fines.
  
  
• Enforcement Penalties: Local building departments may assess investigation fees equal to the original permit cost—plus administrative fines—even years after the work was completed.
  
  
• Ongoing Liability: Selling your home doesn’t necessarily shield you. If your past unpermitted work results in damage or fails inspection later, you could still be held accountable.
  
  

🔍 At a Glance: What’s at Risk in Colorado

Safety and Compliance Risks

Permits exist for a reason: to ensure safety.  The Colorado State Plumbing Board requires inspections before drywall or insulation goes up—and again before occupancy or water service is activated.  Skip this step, and you could be hiding dangerous conditions behind finished walls.

Can You Pull Your Own Permits in Colorado?

Homeowner Permit Rules

Yes—Colorado allows homeowners to pull permits for their own properties if:

• You live in the home (not renting or flipping)
  
  
• You do the work yourself (no hired help)
  
  
• You obtain the correct permit before starting
  
  

You’re responsible for following the code, scheduling inspections, and passing them—just like a pro.

Specific Rules Apply

• Electrical work: Must comply with the National Electrical Code and pass inspection before being covered.
  
  
• Plumbing work: Must be inspected twice—before concealment and at final completion.
  
  
• In Denver: You must show proof of ownership, reside in the home, and pass a trade-specific exam to pull a permit.  No permits issued to LLCs, trusts, or corporations.

DIY is doable, but there are no shortcuts—and no forgiveness if you cut corners.

What About Hiring a Pro?

Hiring a professional contractor brings added peace of mind to any remodel project.  Here are some important factors to consider:

Licensing Requirements

In Colorado:

• Plumbers and electricians must hold state-issued licenses
  
  
• General contractors aren’t licensed at the state level—but most cities and counties require local registration

The Colorado State Plumbing Board oversees licensing, education, and compliance for all plumbing trades.

Continuing Education and Compliance

Licensed contractors:

• Renew credentials every two years, ensuring they're up-to-date with new codes and practices
  
  
• Complete eight hours of continuing education annually in a field that supports their trade
  
  
• Pull permits on your behalf—and make sure all inspections pass—taking the onus off you, the homeowner

Insurance and Bonding

Professional contractors carry general liability insurance that protects your home and your wallet.  On average, that coverage costs $115/month or $1,378/year—far less than the cost of a lawsuit or damage claim.  Once again, taking the financial liability of a workplace injury or mishap off you as the homeowner.

Final Thought: Do It Right or Do It Twice

Bathroom remodeling is exciting—but permitting is where excitement meets responsibility.  Whether you're tackling a weekend renovation or planning a complete spa-like overhaul, navigating permits wisely is essential.  The risks of skipping this step, from fines to insurance denial, aren’t worth the gamble.

That’s where HomePride Bath steps in.  If you’re looking to save time, hassle, and avoid unnecessary anxieties and/or frustrations—we’re fully licensed, deeply familiar with Colorado’s permitting landscape, and trusted by inspectors across the state.  We’ve installed thousands of bathrooms across Colorado and know precisely what it takes to meet local code—on time, on budget, and without surprises—doing things the right way in your community.

When you remodel with HomePride, you're not just upgrading your bathroom.  You’re protecting your home, your finances, and your peace of mind.  Let us handle the permits so that you can enjoy the transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.  Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom in Colorado?
Yes.  In most Colorado cities and counties, a permit is required if your remodel involves plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or structural changes.  Projects such as moving a toilet, adding outlets, or changing a load-bearing wall require official approval. Cosmetic updates like paint, tile, or fixtures typically don’t need a permit—but always confirm with your local building department before starting.

2.  What happens if I remodel without a permit in Colorado?
Performing unpermitted work can lead to serious consequences, including daily fines (up to $500), stop-work orders, and even misdemeanor charges.  You could also face problems selling your home, denied insurance claims, or lower appraisals due to unpermitted improvements.

3.  Can homeowners pull their own bathroom remodeling permits in Colorado?
Yes, if you’re remodeling your primary residence and doing the work yourself.  Homeowners can pull plumbing and electrical permits directly, but must follow local and state codes, pass inspections, and ensure the work meets all safety requirements.  In Denver, homeowners may need to pass a short trade exam before receiving approval.