Bathroom remodeling in Manchester, NH: Planning Guide

Define the bathroom you need before requesting quotes

Write down what you want to keep, replace or move. Include the toilet, vanity, tub or shower, lighting and exhaust fan. Describe the problems you want the contractor to address, such as a leak, difficult tub access or inadequate storage. Arrange a site visit and request a written explanation of the proposed work.

For a shower replacement, have the contractor name the waterproofing materials and describe how the crew will handle corners, penetrations and the drain connection. Request details of testing and documentation before tile installation. Include wall and floor preparation in the quote, with a written process for approving repairs that the crew discovers during demolition.

If you have one bathroom, identify the days you will lose toilet and bathing access and agree on an alternative. Request a schedule that separates material delivery, demolition, trade work, inspections and finishing. Name a contact person who will explain delays and coordinate the next step.

Confirm permits before setting the demolition date

Contact Planning and Community Development at 603-624-6450 with your address, property type and proposed scope. Ask which building, plumbing and electrical permits your scope requires. Manchester offers building-permit applications online. For plumbing and electrical applications, the department instructs applicants to print, sign and mail the forms with fees and says it does not accept electronic submission. [1]

For electrical projects in multifamily dwellings, non-owner-occupied single-family dwellings and commercial properties, the city requires a licensed NH Master electrician. For plumbing projects in those property categories, it requires a licensed NH plumber. Identify the relevant tradespeople for the proposed work before signing the contract. [1]

Assign one person to submit applications, track approvals and retain copies. Manchester's plumbing and electrical instructions say applicants should not start work before receiving an approved permit. Have the contractor show you the approval before the affected work begins. [1]

Separate construction costs from municipal fees

Manchester calculates building-permit fees for alterations, renovations and repairs at 1% of estimated work cost and adds a $25 application fee. As a hypothetical example, an estimated $20,000 renovation produces a $225 building-permit charge under that formula. This example illustrates the municipal fee calculation; it does not establish a bathroom construction price or the total cost of all permits. [2]

The city also assesses a plan-review fee of $0.02 per square foot for multifamily and commercial building-permit applications. If that applies to your property, confirm which area the department will use in its calculation. Check the full fee total before accepting a contractor's permit allowance. [2]

Obtain site-specific bids to set your construction budget. Request separate amounts for labor, fixtures, tile, waterproofing, disposal and permits. Have the contractor list product allowances, identify who purchases each item, and explain how you will approve added work. Compare the included scope before comparing the totals.

Arrange lead-safe demolition and inspection pauses

Check your home's construction year before approving removal of painted walls or trim. EPA's March 2024 greater Manchester guidance describes the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule for renovation sites involving pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. For applicable work disturbing lead-painted surfaces, EPA describes firm certification, individual renovator training, lead-safe work practices and compliance records. [4]

Discuss who will contain and manage dust, protect the route through your home and complete cleanup. When the rule applies, request the firm's certification information and the assigned renovator's training information. Resolve these arrangements before the crew removes painted materials. [4]

Manchester lists building, plumbing and electrical inspection contacts. For structural inspection requests, the city directs applicants to email the appropriate inspector with the approved permit or application number and project address. Have your contractor confirm the required inspection stages with each relevant inspector and reserve those pauses before closing walls. [3]

Check fixture operating costs against your own bill

For metered residential and commercial premises, Manchester calculates sewer usage charges from water consumption. The city posts a standard rate of $5.51 per 100 cubic feet and an eligible-discount rate of $2.76 per 100 cubic feet, both effective April 1, 2025. The discount applies to citizens who receive the Optional Adjusted Elderly Exemption through the Tax Assessor's Office. [5]

Request consumption specifications for proposed toilets and shower fixtures when comparing models. Check your bill and meter arrangement before estimating savings. Manchester also charges a separate sewer service fee and uses average consumption for comparable structures when premises lack metering. The chart shows published usage rates, so you cannot use it alone to calculate a household's fixture savings. [5]

Manchester sewer usage charges by rate category

Match your project to the next planning step

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph the room and list fixtures you will keep, replace or relocate.
2. Give each bidder the same scope, product selections and cleanup expectations.
3. Ask the city which permits your address and proposed scope require.
4. Name the person responsible for applications, approvals and inspection scheduling.
5. Check the home's construction year and discuss lead-safe preparation before painted-surface demolition.
6. Request insurance documentation, relevant subcontractor names and references for comparable bathroom work.
7. Agree on bathroom access, material delivery and inspection pauses before setting the start date.
8. Require written approval of added work and collect completion documents before final payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which permits should I discuss with the city?

Describe your proposed fixture moves, plumbing changes, wiring work and wall alterations to Planning and Community Development. Ask which permits your scope requires, who should apply and what information the department needs. Manchester provides separate building, plumbing and electrical application guidance. [1]

Can the contractor start while a trade permit is pending?

Manchester's plumbing and electrical application instructions say applicants should not commence work before receiving an approved permit. Have the contractor provide the approval before starting the affected work. [1]

How much should I allow for the building permit?

Manchester's published renovation formula is 1% of estimated work cost plus a $25 application fee. Confirm separate trade-permit charges and any applicable plan-review fee with the department. Obtain site-specific bids for the construction budget. [2]

What should I ask about demolition in an older home?

For a pre-1978 home, discuss whether the work will disturb lead-painted surfaces and how the contractor will meet applicable RRP requirements. EPA distinguishes company certification from individual renovator training and describes containment, dust management and compliance records. [4]