Essential Permits for Your Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel
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Usually, different states or cities require different types of permits and licenses for home renovation projects. In some places, you can do many big remodeling projects even without any permission from the local authority, but in others, you’ll need specific permits, even for a few changes in the kitchen, bathroom, or any other part of your house. You should even consider your neighborhood Homeowners Association, as there are specific requirements for remodeling or additions as well.
RELATED: If you’re in the Kansas City area, check out the latest permit requirements here: https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/permits-division
If you’re in the Johnson County, Kansas area, here is information on the permit process: https://www.jocogov.org/department/building-codes/building-permits/residential-remodel-permit
If you’re not working with a home remodeling contractor, you will be responsible for pulling the permits yourself. There are many advantages for working with a design build firm, such as Kansas City’s Wineteer Construction, because they are familiar with each municipality’s requirements and process. Some people avoid getting the permits just to avoid the time and cost spent on getting them. However, not getting the permits will be more disastrous. Let’s learn more about it from this article.
Continue to explore the Essential Permits for Your Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel, if you remodel a kitchen or bathroom that needs necessary permits or licenses, the result can be devastating both practically and legally.
Also, licenses and permits are needed to make sure the remodeling works and results are safe for everyone during the remodeling and after the completion of the work. If you want to resell the property and the remodeling doesn’t have the required permits, it will lead to complications, and potential buyers will refuse to be involved with the problematic property.
Unpermitted works also won’t cover any insurance, so you’ll need to spend more on the repairs in the future. Moreover, future renovations, demolitions, and obtaining necessary future requirements will be more challenging as you’ll have illegal records. That’s why it’s really important to obtain licenses and permits for even small remodeling projects when necessary.
In this section, we’ve categorized the types of licenses and permits you’ll need to renovate your bathrooms or kitchens with different issues.
Bathrooms and kitchens usually have many in-built and separate appliances, including HVAC systems. If your remodeling project needs to change the systems, like how much power they’ll use, or add more mechanical parts, you’ll need mechanical permits and licenses.
Usually, most renovations need changes to electrical wiring, fixtures, or outlets for any lighting or appliances. And any change to electrical items requires electrical licenses and permits.
Often, bathroom and kitchen renovations require altering the plumbing items like sinks, toilets, showers, new lines or faucets, etc. For these reasons, you’d need to get plumbing permits and licenses for most of your renovations. https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/electrical-plumbing-and-mechanical-permits
You’ll need building or structural permits and licenses when the bathroom or kitchen renovation requires visual and structural changes in the building. For example, adding or removing windows, doors, walls, roofs, etc.
If the bathroom or kitchen renovation work needs to do demolition of any part of the building, you’ll need special permits for the demolition works, for possible noise, to park demolition trucks in the neighborhood, and many more depending on the place you’re living.
You’ll need landscaping permits and licenses if you want to do any renovation work that can change the landscape on your property. For example, if you have a separate kitchen or washroom in your backyard and want to cut down any trees for it or add fences or decks for them, you’ll need permission for these changes. Check out this article, 10 Landscaping Trends to Watch in 2024, for ways to maximize your home’s curb appeal.
Sometimes the changes in your bathroom and kitchen can relate to environmental concerns, that’s why you’ll need permits to use different materials or appliances or change anything. Many materials, like asbestos, paints, boards, etc., can contain harsh chemicals that can lead to potential hazards. That’s why it’s really important to get environmental permits.
In some cases, you’ll need permits to improve the accessibility feature in your house, specifically in bathrooms, to make things easier for toddlers, the elderly, and disabled people. For accessibility features, there are specific codes, licenses, and permits, so ensure they get one, especially if the kitchen and bathrooms are open to the public.
Continuing on the Essential Permits for Your Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel insight, this process can seem a bit complex and time-consuming if you’re new to this. However, if you follow these general steps, things will be easier:
If you contact a reputed and experienced local contractor, they’ll inform you about all the licenses and permits required for your specific projects. It’ll be better if you hire a bathroom or kitchen specialist, as they usually have specific licenses and permits ready for many projects. However, to avoid more complexity, ensure the contractor you’re hiring has real licenses, not fakes. If you’re in the Kansas City area, reach out to Wineteer for a kitchen, bathroom, whole home, or aging in place remodel.
When renovating your home, it’s important to make sure that it’s done properly. The renovation process itself is complex and costly, and if it’s not done properly, you are constantly in the “fixing” mode, which is expensive and exhausting. To ensure your home remodeling project is completed properly, you should be aware of common mistakes regarding the home renovation process to avoid any easily-avoided mistakes, and hopefully save from costly errors along the way. It’s important to know what the usual remodeling concerns are in order to make a proper plan, and to take necessary preventive measures. Let’s get to know the Home Remodeling Challenges: Tackling the 14 Big Concerns.
Building codes are a set of rules that you must follow when constructing or remodeling your house. These codes are there to ensure the safety and comfortability of everyone, including your neighborhood and environment. And if you break the codes, you will be punished, fined, or they can even demolish your house!
You can’t just randomly check some codes and plan accordingly, as the codes vary from palace to place and can change every year. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a local professional who has good knowledge about the current building codes. Wineteer Construction partners with Kansas City residents throughout each step of the home remodeling project. This begins with the right design and build concept, then of course logistically abiding by all codes and ordinances. View the Kansas City codes here: https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/codes-and-ordinances.
Without proper budgeting, the final cost can be a lot higher than what you expected it to be. Specifically, when things go wrong or there are mistakes in the process, the cost can vary a lot. When you’re dealing with multiple parts in a home remodel, any mistake can be costly and timely. Even if you hire professionals for cost estimation, they can’t always identify all the potential problems beforehand. That’s why it’s necessary to plan a realistic budget adding at least 10% extra to the expected initial cost.
RELATED: Remodeling Strong, Despite Postponements, Houzz Finds
Sometimes people start remodeling without doing any research at all; they start the whole process with just a single random idea or some furniture they like that makes them want to renovate. But it’s important to do thorough research, as your expectations may not be feasible for you. When residents find the right partnership with a home design builder, the ambiguity fades because the contractor handles each step. As with Wineteer Construction, their team handles every single step of the way after the homeowner approves the design, products, timeline, and budget.
Many of your construction or remodeling problems can arise because of contractors or managers. For example, if you don’t hire a contractor at all but manage everything by yourself to save costs, then it can be a big mess. They are experts in their work and know what should be done to fix everything.
However, you shouldn’t hire random, cheap contractors; make sure they have the necessary licenses and experience and provide insurance. Also, don’t be careless after hiring and leave everything to them; supervise them regularly.
If you think you already hired a contractor, so you don’t need to hire anyone else, then you’re so wrong. A contractor can’t design or plan your remodeling project; a designer can. And if you don’t hire a good designer, your remodeled house or apartment won’t look very appealing. So, what’s the point of remodeling if they aren’t attractive enough?
Even if you hire a contractor and designer, the remodeling process isn’t secured yet. You need to make an agreement that describes the scope of work, materials used, procurement methods, work and payment schedule, and other important issues with the entities related to the work.
And before signing the agreement and contract, you must make a thorough plan for the renovation process, considering all the small details. Also, you may require permits from the local or government sectors.
Many people try doing renovations all by themselves just because they get confident enough after seeing home improvement DIY shows. But in reality, everything needs experienced hands to get done perfectly. In most cases, trying out remodeling by yourself can make things worse, and you may need to hire professionals and spend more than the service amount if you do try it out first. There are so many factors that come into play when it comes to your home remodeling project.
You need to buy any kind of furniture or home decor just before installation. When you do remodeling, often the plan changes more or less, as do the measurements of different areas. That’s why when you buy appliances, furniture, or any other materials before the final measurements, you may need to buy them again.
Cheap materials and furnishings are tempting to consider purchasing, because you can buy a lot of them for an inexpensive amount, but they aren’t durable enough to last long. You may need to replace them soon as they break or their color fades.
The remodeling process is huge; you need to change most things, and that’s why you usually focus on the bigger picture. But you need to consider every detail, as everything can cause potential damage.
Curb appeal, or the visual attractiveness of your house as seen by others while standing in front of the property, is important when you’re remodeling. You may think the outside doesn’t matter much if you can remodel the interior so well. But it’s a big mistake to ignore the curb appeal, as even if the interior looks good, the curb appeal can affect potential buyers and decrease their budget.
Ignoring safety risks is a huge concern regarding remodeling your house. It will not only slow down the remodeling process, but it can also physically harm you or any other people and cause damage to the house or any furniture. Make sure to always wear protective gear while working, keep a first-aid kit by hand, and inspect frequently.
If the remodeling process isn’t just a room or a small portion of the house, then it can be very disruptive for the occupants, as bigger renovation projects take a long time to finish. If you think about a kitchen remodel, your daily meal schedule is disrupted. So before you start the renewal process, make sure to arrange sleeping quarters, resting places, food preparation places and toilets for the people and pets in your house. It’s important to have open communication with your home remodeling company to have an understanding of the timeline.
After your home renovation project begins, any change can cost more time and money, and sometimes the changes aren’t even possible. That’s why you should consider every aspect before planning and stick to the plan.
The remodeling process can go smoothly if you hire a professional renovation team. Even if it seems costlier, the perfectly finished new look is worth it all. Moreover, it increases the property value, so you can easily get a profit from it, or any extra expenditure from mistakes can be saved.
On holidays, family members gather and celebrate time shared together. Usually it is tight quarters, which is part of the holiday fun! However, it’s also a reason why many homeowners consider remodeling their kitchen before the holidays for positive changes like more seating, energy efficiency, convenience, and functionality.
In this article, we’ll discuss 11 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: Elevate Your Home for the Holidays that can help you remodel your kitchen perfectly to enjoy the holidays over the next years. Let’s dig in.
When the holidays are approaching, here’s 11 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: Elevate Your Home for the Holidays that you may want to consider as a change of atmosphere. There are several ways to complete a remodel, from whole home remodeling to paint updates to full kitchen renovations. Here are a few ideas:
The first and foremost thing you should do when remodeling your kitchen is to declutter and sort out everything big and small in that area. This is a free revamp that can truly make a big impact! This will help you assess what kind of remodeling you should do and plan the process faster. Also, your whole kitchen will look fresh when you finish removing all the unnecessary things. A good rule of thumb to go by is if you haven’t used the appliance, dishes, bowl, etc in more than two years, it may be time to get rid of it.
Cabinets occupy most of the space in a kitchen. That’s why if you renovate the cabinets, it will drastically change the look of your kitchen. Even a simple cabinet makeover is enough to surprise the guests on holidays. However, if you want to replace all the cabinets, it can be quite expensive. Still, you can try different methods of cabinet renovation, such as painting, applying coatings, adding vinyl or wallpaper, etc. Sometimes, people remove all the cabinets and try open shelving for a fresher and decluttered look. Also, for more storage, you can try adding more drawers and cabinets if there is free space. This may be the time to add in the soft close cabinets and drawers.
RELATED: 10 Remodeling Projects To Do Before the Holidays
When you finish renovating the cabinets, the old pulls and knobs won’t always look refreshing. You can color them or replace them with a better-looking set of knobs and pulls. It’s better if your new pull set has the same center-to-center dimension, as you won’t need to worry about drilling new holes and fixing the old ones.
All the appliances in your kitchen, such as the refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and all other small devices, act as the focus of the cooking area. When you’re remodeling the whole area, you should consider changing the appliances to match the surrounding. Not just for looks, but energy efficiency, safety, and functionality all play a part in upgrading kitchen appliances. And the holiday seasons are best for getting new appliances, as most companies offer holiday specials discounts. You can also save money by selling the old appliances.
The kitchen sink is the part that we need to use all the time. That’s why this place gets messy most often. You can replace the sink with a smart or digital sink that will keep the dishwashing area looking tidy and new. However, replacing the sink can be a costly project. But you can always replace the faucets with new, elegant sets with very small expenses, and the dishwasher surrounding will look better.
The countertops get messy often since we prepare the dishes there. You can try upgrading them by applying a new protective coating. For a brand-new look, you can try changing the material of the countertops with granite, quartz, marble, concrete, and so on. After you completed the decluttering on the countertops, you’ll have a better visual at the shape of your countertops.
The switch plates and outlets in your old kitchen become dirty and hideous over time. If your whole kitchen looks great after remodeling but the outlets look old and discolored, it can be an eye sore. Consider changing the outlets or painting them.
To remodel your kitchen, you can also try upgrading the dining area, as by transforming this area, you can make the whole kitchen more functional and aesthetically pleasing. You can renovate the area by selecting the right furniture, selecting the proper lighting and color scheme, and investing in an updated set of tableware.
If your budget allows, you should upgrade the flooring to bring out the best in all of the other renovations. However, you can also make the floor better and more comfortable by adding extra rugs. There are many options for flooring, so be sure you consider the best option for your family’s needs.
Lighting can change the look of your kitchen, no matter how much you upgrade other areas. If there are unnecessary shadows and glares, people will feel uncomfortable just by being there for a few minutes. That’s why it’s necessary to properly plan the lighting style and upgrade if necessary. Also, you can add some decorative lighting like chandeliers, globes, or dangling pendants.
Introducing backsplash tile or wallpaper can add another dimension to your kitchen. The whole area can even look wider and larger with a specific color of backsplash. Moreover, recently, many 3D tiles and prints have become available that can make your guests drop their jaws. And you can get all the benefits without spending much since the backsplashes aren’t that expensive.
Since there are major and minor renovations you can do to remodel the kitchen, you may think about doing the minor changes yourself to save money. But in case you want to make major changes without hiring anyone, we recommend you not do things all by yourself. Leave the remodeling to the contractor or professionals; otherwise, the new kitchen may turn out worse.
If you’re ready to explore your home for a kitchen, bathroom, whole home, or basement remodel, reach out today for a free design consultation.
Today is National Senior Citizens Day. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed this holiday on August 21st to raise awareness about issues that affect senior citizens and their quality of life.
With many Aging in Place modifications, seniors are still active in their communities, have a strong presence in the workforce, and live independently.
Zero entry showers, also known as barrier-free showers, are a beautiful addition to any bathroom remodeling project. Barrier-free showers also have the added benefit of being accessible for those who need some additional assistance entering the shower threshold. Removing the lip on a shower can increase the aesthetic appeal and the accessibility of the space. Wineteer is a design model home remodeling company that offers aging in place modifications. Zero entry barrier showers are an element of allowing aging homeowners to live safely and securely.
Barrier- free and Zero-Entry Showers in Bathroom Remodeling can give any space a new and modern feel. They also give the opportunity to show off unique floor tile work and patterns that would not normally be seen with a traditional tub or lipped shower view. This function gives the opportunity to show off your new bathroom remodel to friends or family and let them know that Wineteer Construction created the bathroom of your dreams!
At Wineteer Construction our waterproofing method is second-to-none for bathroom remodels! Whether using Wedi Board or Hydro-Block our barrier-free showers keep mold out. If you are hesitant about pursuing a zero-entry shower in your bathroom remodel because you are not sure that your new shower will be waterproof, you can rest easy with a barrier-free shower from Wineteer. We create a completely waterproof box including the full height of the walls. The sole purpose of this waterproofing method is to keep water inside your shower. The tile work we overlay on top is simply there for designs and aesthetics. The tile is installed with the latest modified thinset mortars and hydraulic grout systems to give you maximum protection against staining and cracks due to movement. This gives us the freedom to be outrageously creative with our tilework and give you the shower of your dreams, all while providing peace of mind that your new space will not leak!
View our bathroom remodeling projects here:
We frequently combine form and function in our bathroom remodels, but the designs are always a part of the conversation. Barrier-free showers look elegant and can create a more seamless transition from shower to bathroom, especially if you elect to install full-glass shower doors. While the type of shower you elect to create is ultimately up to you as the homeowner, we do recommend pursuing a barrier-free shower in your next bathroom renovation. When we start a new project, we’re not just thinking 1 year out or even 5 years out; we want to remodel for life. Are you a middle-aged empty nest couple that may have your in-laws move in with you in the future? How much easier would it be if you already have a barrier-free shower installed! Think about when you begin to have your grandkids over and how much less of a slip risk you create when there is no barrier to entry. A zero-entry shower can also help make your house more appealing and sellable in the future.
If you are on the fence about including a zero-entry shower in your new space, we can help answer any of your questions and determine if a barrier-free shower would be a good fit for you. All
our home improvement projects start with us asking our clients what works for them in their current home and a bathroom renovation is no different. Fill out this online form to discuss your bathroom remodel with our team.
Many times during remodeling projects, our clients ask for design updates that bring light to a space. For this project, in particular, we were lucky enough to count on current room elements to help us light up the room.
This bathroom update was all about light, functionality and tranquility, and to ensure these characteristics were present. By utilizing the window we add natural light that brightens and opens the room. Our team used a double layer, insulated glass panel that had satin glass on the exterior and rain glass on the interior. The satin glass obscures any possible view from outside the window while letting in as much light as possible.
Framing the Light
Our team framed the wall of the window and the two connecting walls with Daltile’s Marble Attache in Calacatta in a 12”x24” size. The contrasting elongated hexagonal shape and dark color of the shower floor give added depth to the room, allowing the light to showcase the openness.
As a transition to the remainder of the bathroom floor, our client, with the help of our experts, selected the same tile material as the shower floor, but in a 12” x 24” format for contrast, while tying back in with the wall tile. The countertop our clients chose is a white veined Quartz from SCI Surface Center that adds a beautiful contrast to the dark gray of the custom cabinets.
Accessibility, Style and Comfort
What makes this bathroom remodeling project stand out is not only the beautiful color palette and high-quality materials. It is also the design. Not only is this bathroom beautiful and functional, but it is also accessible. By utilizing quality materials, accessibility in the bathroom can also be stunning, and even functional for those who do not need the modifications. The shower has a barrier-free entry, a wall-mounted shower chair, and a hand-held slidebar. The floor of the bathroom is spacious enough for a wheelchair, or walker if needed, but also could be used for a stool or other decorative items.
After the updates were done, our client was one happy homeowner. It is always an honor to be able to help you bring your remodeling dreams to life.For more information about our services, contact us.
When it comes to bringing our clients’ visions to life, our team at Wineteer Construction is always ready to help. The reviews we obtain from our different projects are a representation of the perfect mix of expertise, quality of work and experience that we bring to the table.
It is an honor to provide our services to our clients, even more, when these changes increase the quality of life of each individual.
“We were preparing to have my 90-year-old mother move in with us. The bathroom had to be remodeled to accommodate her disability. From the moment Nick came to see what the job entailed to the last day Wineteer walked out the door we couldn’t be more satisfied! We would highly recommend Wineteer for any project! I can’t say enough about the team that completed the remodel. They were so respectful and considerate of our home and do BEAUTIFUL work!! Thank you, Wineteer. My mother LOVES her new space!”
-Mette C.
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After
We are grateful for our clients’ support throughout the years and for the great relationships established that keep us coming back as home updates are needed.
If you have a home remodeling project in mind or have questions, contact us today.
Home remodeling projects reflect present needs like bigger spaces, new looks, layout updates and so on. These home updates, however, don’t only have to influence your present. They can just as much impact your future.
The project below is an excellent example of a remodeling project that will impact our clients’ lives for years to come. It is a bathroom that has been updated to be multifunctional and accessible.
Initially, our clients’ master bedroom was on the second floor of their home. Thinking about their future need for accessibility, they decided to create a second master bedroom on the first level of the house, including a multifunctional master bathroom.
Beginning with the bathroom design, our Aging in Place experts ensured that the remodeling touches focused on all the comfort and accessibility without the ‘aging’ look or feel.
The bathroom received the following updates:
Functional and Stylish Details
The details added to the bathroom with the tiles and marble vanity accentuate the new space’s beauty and helps the room match the rest of the home’s style. In the sense of functionality, this bathroom has it all and more.
Moving around, getting ready and performing chores like laundry will be easy, manageable tasks for our clients in the years to come. Their new space is and will remain modern, stylish and extremely comfortable.
Looking to bring a touch of transformation to your home? Contact us. Our Aging in Place experts are ready to bring to life your home’s remodeling vision.