Essential Permits for Your Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel
913-717-6325
913-717-6325
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.
Wineteer’s team also installed a small cabinet to house laundry detergent and cleaning
In the master bathroom remodel portion of the project, Wineteer’s design team had a clear vision from the client. The team removed a built-in tub and replaced it with a free-standing oval-shaped tub. 
There are many reasons why homeowners are opting for barrier-free showers, one of which is the ease of aging in place modifications. The risk of falling is greatly reduced when the ledge of the shower is removed. The ability to roll in a wheelchair, or walker, is ideal for a barrier-free shower, allowing the homeowners to live in the home unassisted for a much longer time. For the wainscot around the tub and shower area we used a large format 12 x 36 inch tile. This embossed tile levels up the space for a timeless look.
RELATED: The 15 Best Tile for 2023
In the new barrier-free shower, Wineteer placed a border of smaller, unique tiles through the space vertically to house the rain shower head and inset shower caddies. This pop of color adds dimension and texture to the space and coordinates with the penny tile used on the shower floor. Fixtures in the shower are all chrome, matching the chrome shower handle and the chrome tub fixtures.
The bathroom cabinets are painted white, both brightening the space, and elevating the look. The homeowners decided on a unique design choice – to add a center tower cabinet between the two vanities. This creates additional storage for the vanity and sink area, and the ability to put toiletries behind a door and not on the counters. All cabinet doors are inset to provide the clean and seamless look you see here. The countertops are quartz and hardware and drawer pulls are chrome. The tile on the floor of the bathroom is a ceramic tile that mimics a Calcutta marble.
This was an amazing project for the Wineteer team to work on with our long-time clients. But it didn’t stop here! In addition to this bathroom remodel, we had the chance to completely renovate their kitchen and move their laundry to their en suite. This whole home remodel provided a relief to the chore of laundry, and the ability to fully enjoy both the kitchen and bathroom! Check out more of our bathroom remodeling projects here for some inspiration!
Check out this recent bathroom remodel project that we completed in Lenexa, KS!
Wineteer’s team grows together, and has the same crew working in the home throughout the entire remodel. This is a unique aspect for a home remodeling company, as many subcontract all of their work. This homeowner in Mission Farms, Kansas wanted to remodel their master bathroom. The master bathroom entailed the removal of a large whirlpool tub. While this was not an aging in place project specifically, the amount of space afforded by the removal of the tub for a barrier free-shower, or zero entry, makes it look as though it was. Our design team and craftsmen utilized the natural light and capitalized on the orientation of the seat, window and walls in conjunction to one another.
This particular client prefers a more contemporary, California-influenced style in their home and surroundings, and this did the trick. The large format floor tile is a nice contrast to the shower tile. Heated floors provide a nice respite to the cold winters of the Midwest.
Have you considered a bathroom remodel? Wineteer specializes in bathrooms of all sizes, shapes, and configurations. Reach out to discuss your ideas!
If you want to remodel your home, many people will suggest you hire a design-builder. One may ask… what exactly is a design-builder? According to wikipedia, it is a method to deliver a project in which the design and construction services are contracted by a single entity known as the design–builder or design–build contractor. It can be subdivided into architect-led design–build (ALDB, sometimes known as designer-led design–build) and contractor-led design–build. A homeowner may explore the design-build contractor options and determine they are the most qualified for home renovation projects, as they will save you money over the years. So, let’s get to know more about them.
Again, when designers, builders, and other specialists work as a team under one single contract with the project client or owner to provide construction services, this method is called ‘design-build.’ In brief, in a design-build project, there is only one contract, one organization, and one coordinated flow of work. Wineteer is continually reminded by our clients how important their seamless process is for a stress-free home remodel. With Wineteer, you will have a dedicated team of professionals that will walk you along each step of the remodel. This isn’t always the case with home remodeling companies, so be sure you ask questions and understand the contractual and design/build side.
There are many reasons why you should consider hiring a design-builder for your bathroom, kitchen, whole home, and aging in place remodeling project. Here are the main reasons:
In traditional remodeling projects, homeowners dealt with designers, contractors, subcontractors, architects, retailers, workers, and other people depending on the home remodeling scope of work. This makes the work slow, adds additional stress, causes budgeting nightmares if not monitored correctly, increases disruptions to daily life, and has more chances for miscommunication.
But when you hire a design-builder for the project, the company combines all of the activities under a single umbrella, and thus the homeowners will work with the same team from the first meeting to the completion of the project. As Wineteer explains it… once you partner with us, you will become family. The homeowner will see the same crew each day during the remodeling project. In this way, everyone will function more effectively, and challenging problems can be handled more efficiently.
RELATED: The benefits of hiring a design-build contractor for your home remodel
If you don’t hire a design-builder, you will naturally spend extra because of inaccurate or unanticipated problems, or change orders as they arise. However, a design-builder can give you an accurate cost-analysis before starting the work and prevent unexpected expenditures during or after your project is done.
However, you can always decide to add more to your project or make changes throughout the process, which can easily be adjusted in the design-builder billing. It’s a much easier and more seamless way to make the changes compared to tracking down a contractor to implement the changes, pay them, then get back on track.
Since the work is centralized and team members are connected to each other through the central hub, communication becomes easier, faster, and more efficient. Many local home remodeling companies have extensive experience and relationships with vendors that will allow for superior customer service and finishes.
In most cases, it’s crucial for you to get the remodeling project done within the agreed-upon schedule. Also, knowing when the project will end will help you save money and get started with other finishing projects. When you work with a design-build company, they always finish their work on time, sometimes even faster than the estimated time.
Understanding functionality and needs is crucial for any remodeling project; it’s much more than just being appealing. When skilled designers remodel a house, they first make it a high-functioning area with minimal disruption, and bring a vision to life.
Moreover, with a design-builder, you can get the combined expertise they’ve gathered by working on many different projects over the years. They won’t take any shortcuts; rather, they will combine all their knowledge and information to make your project the best one.
We all need to keep in mind that unforeseen problems can occur while remodeling and renovating a home. However, the risk can be reduced if you work with a design-build company. They can minimize risks as their team has the skills and knowledge to address any issues and fix them in the best way possible. The communication will go directly between the homeowner and the design-builder, and won’t be a game of telephone to figure out what’s happening.
They can also take preventive measures beforehand to eliminate the possibility of risks. In this way, the cost of emergency risk management will also decrease.
Handling the remodeling of your home can be very stressful from time to time. You may get confused about how you should start the project, whom you should contact, when invoices are due, or what you are responsible for during the process.
However, with the design-builder to guide you through each and every step with their knowledgeable assistance, you will feel relaxed throughout the remodeling process.
Design-build firm members can always handle unexpected and challenging situations better. Also, they can provide you with a quick solution if you want to add or remove anything from the planned project. Their flexibility makes the homeowner satisfied in any kind of situation.
When work is not properly organized and there are miscommunications, disputes among the parties and workers arise. But when a centralized design-build firm handles the remodeling project, everything is properly organized and there are fewer disputes.
Depending on your project’s unique requirements, you may want to explore the consideration of a design-build company. You should have an open and honest question with potential home remodeling design-builders and discuss your budget, timeline, goals, vision, etc. You can determine quickly if the project will be a match for the said contractor.
Hiring a design-builder is definitely a good idea for homeowners who want to partner with a company who cares about their reputation and the project itself. If you think about it, the design-builder has so much more on the line than a single contractor who comes in for a day, does their job, and leaves. If you’re considering a home remodeling project in the Kansas City area, reach out to Wineteer to see if we can answer your questions. We are there to help you bring your vision to life!
Thinking of remodeling your house? Your kitchen, basement, laundry/mud room, bathroom, or outdoor space? Based on the scope of work, the design, and the budget, you will probably need a remodeler’s assistance. However, not just any home remodeling company, it must be the right fit. To hire a home remodeling company, there are many factors that the homeowner should consider, including a contractor or company who aligns with the intended design and build process, budget, timeline, and communication. Remember, only a good home remodeler can design a plan that fits your idea and budget perfectly.
Home remodeling companies can even identify the most cost-effective and resourceful methods for an expensive and elaborate project. Some homeowners receive the construction and remodeling company options from referrals, Better Business Bureau, or even simply on Google. It is overwhelming to look at an extensive list of companies, so be sure you have a thorough list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and not important. Some considerations can include experience, design and employee rapport with homeowners, dedication, temperament and communication skills. Therefore, this article will outline some essential criteria on how to evaluate home remodelers before hiring. Let’s get started.
Remember, only an expert home remodeler can bring you success and make the most of your budget, while reducing the stress and anxiety throughout the entire process. Homeowners need someone reliable, trustworthy, and professional, so you’re comfortable with the team in your home for weeks or even months! Consider the below factors before hiring a home remodeler:
Here is a list of some possible questions to consider in the design and build consultation:
When seeking a construction and remodeling contractor, you must know how to evaluate them to sift out the best among the many. The process involves learning about their experiences, expertise, integrity, communication skills, and availability. Of course the number of years in the home remodeling business matters, however you should also consider the remodeling design creativity. Plus, One of the ways to find a home remodeling company that has a similar project to your own is to find neighbors, friends, or family who have worked with the home remodeling company you are considering. Homeowners in the Leawood, Olathe, Overland Park, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Parkville, and all of Kansas City are looking to Wineteer for their superior kitchen, bathroom, whole room, aging in place, and outdoor remodeling projects.
Heated bathroom floors are becoming more and more popular when homeowners consider upgrades for their bathroom remodel. With several competitive advantages, heated flooring is a very good alternative to the conventional heating system requirement in the bathroom.
In this case, electric in-floor mats or hot water pipes are installed underneath the bathroom flooring. This special arrangement dissipates heat and keeps the flooring surface dry and warm.
In this article, Why Consider Heated Floors in Your Bathroom Remodel, you will learn all about heated floors in the bathroom, including the installation process, associated costs, advantages, disadvantages, etc.
The heated floor in the bathroom offers many advantages. Some must-mentions are that this type of floor circulates a sense of luxury, reduces energy costs, offers health benefits, increases property value, and more. Companies like Wineteer Construction in Kansas City offer many heated flooring solutions when completing bathroom remodels. Below outlines some benefits and considerations with heated floors.
The heated bathroom floor creates a sense of luxury, and high end comfortability. It symbolizes your taste for exclusivity. Stepping on the respective fully dry and warm bathroom covering is a satisfying experience. Many homeowners who are considering a higher-end bathroom remodeling project budget for heated floors.
In cold regions, house heating cost minimization is always a challenge. The same goes for the winter seasons in almost all climates across the United States. In this case, keeping the bathroom warm consumes enormous energy due to the unavoidable watery context.
Heated flooring restricts the need for conventional heating arrangements in bathrooms, saving considerable money. We must mention that the costs associated with operating the heated floor are far less than those associated with the traditional heating arrangement. The surface area for a heated floor is much less than the area of the entire bathroom.
Heated floors eliminate cold-related discomfort. Suppose you or your family members have health issues like allergies, inhalation problems, arthritis, etc. Heated flooring can be a solution that will help with many of these ailments. The heat not only removes the wet feel of the bathroom, but it also eliminates the chance of dust circulation. As there are no forced-air heating systems, there is no dust circulation.
Obviously we use a lot of water in the bathroom. The associated wetness eventually hosts mold and mildew growth. Heated floors in the bathroom restrict such happenings and ensure a more hygienic environment. The reduction of moisture in the bathroom will reduce the potential mold/mildew growth, so the house will circulate healthier air.
In the real estate market, installing heated flooring in the bathroom is considered a valuable addition. It provides you with a bargaining point in the case of selling or renting the house. To cut a long story short, a bathroom remodel that included heated floors will increase the property’s overall value.
RELATED: What to Ask When Considering Heated Floors
OK, you’re sold on integrating heated floors in your upcoming bathroom remodeling project. But, how does this work? One way to ensure the heated floors are done properly is to work with your design and builder during your bathroom remodel. If you’re considering DIY, below are guidelines for installing in-floor electric mats to heat your bathroom floor.
First, locate the suitable electricity output unit to power the electric mat. We also suggest you get a programmable thermostat to restrict the wastage of electricity. This thermostat will deactivate the electricity supply at night and at non-use times.
On the main surface of the bathroom, you have to create a 0.15-inch thick cement floor. Just purchase an appropriate amount of cement and mix it with water (proportion 1:3). And lay the mixture on the main surface. Let the layer dry properly. We suggest you follow a proper curing process. Now, on top of this thin cement layer, install factory-made cement boards with associated screws.
Place a wooden plank (10 inches X 6 inches X 3 inches) on the newly created subfloor. It should be near the power outlet unit. Now, install power conduits with connectors and create notches to lay the power cables nicely.
In this step, install two-way adhesive tape on the floor at a 1-foot interval. Now, install the mat. We suggest you keep a 1-inch gap between the corner of the mat and eternities like bathtubs, showers, wash basins, etc.
Use glue to fix the mat’s loosened parts and the wire’s extended portion. Now, connect the wire with the power conduits’ connectors.
Again, form a mortar layer on the mat. The thickness should be 0.5–1.0 inches. On top of this layer, place the final covering, like tiles, etc. You have successfully installed heated floors in the bathroom.
Seem a bit too advanced for your DIY abilities? Reach out to your local bathroom remodeling company for design and pricing suggestions. Residents in the Kansas City area find Wineteer as their go-to for all elite bathroom remodeling projects.
The table below elaborates on the pros and cons of heated floors in the bathroom.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Facilitates greater comfort | Installation requires specialized knowledge and expertise |
| More room space as there is no need for radiators | Some may find the additional cost is pricy |
| No wetness | For larger bathrooms, the cost matters |
| Facilitates hygiene and health benefits | Faulty in-floor materials replacement is critical |
| Cost-effective | Not compatible with every type of floor finish |
When thinking about the question presented in this article, Why Consider Heated Floors in Your Bathroom Remodel, we would like to highlight three particular points.
If you’re in the Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Parkville, or Lee’s Summit area, and considering a bathroom remodel contractor, reach out to the Wineteer team today!
For this project, we built a new vanity and brought in completely custom cabinets. Our recommendations for cabinetry work, to create an elevated and elegant look, is to add inset doors and drawers. Quartz countertops were selected for the vanity. We also chose to use more modern, sleek fixtures throughout. We added framed mirrors for
We also added a Wineteer Construction specialty: the zero-entry shower. Our zero-entry showers
Have you looked at an area of your home and thought “you know, this isn’t bad, but it’s not exactly what I want to see here?” That’s exactly what this Blue Springs couple thought when looking through a couple 
RELATED: New Year, New Bathroom Trends for your Home
This homeowner decided to incorporate some of the current trends while maintaining a timeliness look. We
Wineteer is a bathroom remodel contractor who handles projects of all sizes – from whole home remodeling to bathroom or kitchen remodels. Once you partner with us, you become family. That’s one of the main differences between us and other home remodeling companies – we are family owned and care about each and every project. Another element of this remodel that we addressed was the simple age of the pieces, so everything we brought had a modern look. Come back for part two where we’ll share about the vanity, tub, and zero-entry shower.
Have you considered a bathroom remodel? Reach out today to discuss your ideas, timeline, and budget.
For the couple’s new shower, we repurposed the area which previously held the toilet closet to install a
