Local service guide
Bathroom Remodeling in St. John’s, NL
Arrange Bathroom Remodeling in St. John’s by agreeing on a written scope, checking the plumbing and electrical contractors against the City’s licensed lists, and assigning permit responsibilities before demolition. The homeowner remains responsible for the building permit; authorized contractors obtain plumbing and electrical permits. Ask each bidder to identify their trades, inspection stages and plan for keeping a toilet available. [1] [2] [3]
Choose the scope before asking for quotes
Start with the problem you need to solve: worn finishes, a leaking shower, poor storage or difficulty entering the tub. Tell bidders which fixtures you want to keep and whether you want to move the toilet, vanity or shower. Ask for a separate option that retains the current layout so you can compare the work involved.
Give each bidder the same brief. Include room measurements, photographs, preferred fixtures and any signs of moisture around the tub, shower or floor. Ask them to describe demolition, repairs beneath the finishes, shower waterproofing, ventilation, tile installation and waste removal. Treat an unspecified fixture allowance as a question to resolve before signing.
Discuss access needs while deciding the layout. Ask about entry clearance, shower access and support for future grab bars. The City encourages universal design features when homeowners build or renovate, but describes its linked universal design guidance as voluntary. [3]
Check the trades and divide permit responsibilities
Ask the remodel contractor to name the plumbing and electrical businesses they intend to use. The City provides licensed contractor lists and says it updates them daily. Check those lists through the plumbing and electrical permit pages, then ask the named trades to confirm their role in your project. [1] [2]
The City makes the property owner responsible for obtaining the building permit, even when a contractor performs the work. Plumbing and electrical permits are separate. Only authorized contractors can obtain those trade permits, and the owner must ensure valid permits exist before work starts. [1] [2] [3]
Put the division of work in the agreement: who prepares the building application, who submits supporting plans, who obtains each trade permit and who arranges inspections. Ask for permit details before demolition. Also request proof of insurance and recent references for projects with a similar shower or layout.
Compare the full quote and permit charges
Request separate amounts for labour, fixtures, finishes, disposal and permits, plus a clear statement about taxes. Ask which purchases you must make and who handles delivery, missing parts or damaged materials. Agree on written approval for additional work after demolition, including the price and any schedule change.
The City’s published renovation building-permit schedule charges $9 per $1,000 of estimated construction value up to $100,000, with a $50 minimum. It may review final construction values and adjust fees. Ask the Permit Counter which construction value applies to your proposed work before treating a bidder’s permit allowance as final. [3] [4]
The plumbing schedule lists $18.48 for each new fixture installed or roughed in, subject to a $42.24 minimum permit fee. A plumbing renovation without fixture replacement or addition has a listed fee of $42.24. For electrical renovations without a separate service in a one- or two-family dwelling, the City lists $72.60 plus 1% of the estimated electrical work cost. [1] [2] [4]
These figures cover municipal permit charges. They do not establish a bathroom renovation price. Obtain a site-specific quote for the work, materials and any repairs the contractor can identify before opening the walls. [4]
Schedule approval, inspections and bathroom downtime
Ask the contractor for separate dates for permit submission, approval, demolition, trade work and completion. Keep the demolition booking conditional on the required approvals. The City’s residential dashboard reports average working days to issue extension and renovation permits; it does not separate bathroom projects or give a completion schedule for your remodel. [3] [5]
For building work, the homeowner must request and ensure completion and approval of required inspections. Larger projects can require inspections at mandatory stages listed on the permit. Plumbing and electrical inspectors can also inspect work at multiple stages. Ask your contractor to identify the relevant stages before agreeing on wall closure and finish installation. [1] [2] [3]
If this is your only bathroom, agree on the toilet shutdown period and an alternative before work begins. Confirm fixture delivery and check the selected products with the trades before demolition. At handover, request inspection records, warranty information and a written list of any remaining work.
Residential extension and renovation permit issuance times
Local details that affect your job
Owners and trades have different application roles
Arrange the building permit as the property owner, with help from your contractor if agreed. Have the authorized plumbing and electrical contractors obtain their respective permits. The City does not issue those trade permits to homeowners. This distinction matters when a bidder says permits are included: ask which applications they will handle and what you still need to submit. [1] [2] [3]
Resolve the scope with the City Permit Counter
Contact the Permit Counter at 709-576-8565 or [email protected] with your address and proposed scope before booking work. The counter occupies the third floor of the John J. Murphy Building, the City Hall Annex, accessible by the second-floor pedway from City Hall at 10 New Gower Street. Describe fixture relocation, wall changes and electrical work so staff can identify the applications and supporting documents you need. [3]
Ask about inspection allowances in the plumbing quote
For a single-family dwelling, the City states a maximum of four plumbing inspections before Inspection Services may impose $200 for each additional inspection. Ask the plumbing contractor how they will coordinate inspection readiness and how the contract handles additional inspection charges. [1] [4]
Match your project to the next planning step
| Proposed work | Approval or scope question | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Paint, hardware and finish refresh | The City lists renovations as a building-permit category; confirm how it treats your exact scope. | Describe the work to the Permit Counter before assuming an exemption. |
| Replace or relocate plumbing fixtures | The City requires authorized contractors to obtain plumbing permits before work begins. | Name the plumbing contractor and ask them to confirm the permit and inspections. |
| Change wiring, lighting or electrical equipment | Homeowners cannot obtain the City’s electrical permits themselves. | Have the authorized electrical contractor confirm the application scope. |
| Move walls or change the floor plan | The City lists structural and floor-plan modifications as building-permit work. | Arrange supporting plans and assign building and trade applications. |
Your hiring checklist
- Write a shared scope with fixture locations, finish selections and photographs.
- Ask the Permit Counter to confirm approvals for the proposed work.
- Check the named plumbing and electrical businesses through the City’s licensed lists.
- Request proof of insurance and references for comparable bathroom work.
- Separate permit charges, product allowances and exclusions in the quote.
- Agree on written pricing and approval for additional work after demolition.
- Confirm fixture delivery, inspection stages and toilet downtime before starting.
- Collect inspection records, warranties and the remaining-work list at handover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain the plumbing and electrical permits myself?
No. The City restricts these permits to authorized contractors. You remain responsible for ensuring the contractors have valid permits before work starts. Ask the remodel contractor to identify both trades and provide the permit details. [1] [2]
Does a building permit include plumbing and electrical approval?
No. The City requires separate permits for plumbing and electrical work. Put each application and the responsible person or business in your written agreement. [3]
How much will my bathroom remodel cost?
Request a quote based on an inspection of your bathroom and a defined scope. The municipal sources here provide permit fees, without a local remodel price range. Ask bidders to separate fixtures, waterproofing, trade work, repairs, disposal and permits so you can compare their offers. [4]
How long should I allow for a renovation permit?
The City reported average issuance times of 9 to 11 working days for residential extensions and renovations across the four quarters shown. These broader averages do not promise a bathroom permit date. Confirm your application requirements and keep demolition conditional on approval. [5]
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.