Detroit Bathroom Remodel Permits 2026
Detroit bathroom remodel permit fees, plan review, and required inspections for 2026.
Detroit Bathroom Remodel permit basics
- Building department: City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)
- Department URL: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department-bseed
- Permit fee typical: $150 - $900 permit fee
- Plan review + approval: 10-20 business days for residential plan review
- Inspections required: 3-5 inspections (rough plumbing, rough electrical, framing, final)
Detroit Bathroom Remodel common issues
Ventilation requirements (50 CFM minimum), GFCI placement, waterproofing in showers (tile + grout no longer accepted as waterproof).
Detroit-specific permitting context
Detroit's BSEED runs permitting through Accela with electronic plan review (ePLANS), and the city's very old, largely pre-1978 housing stock means lead-safe practices and rental registration compliance are central to renovation work. Michigan licenses residential builders and maintenance-and-alteration contractors at the state level through LARA.
Climate factors: Great Lakes cold climate with significant snow loads, deep frost footings, freeze-thaw damage to masonry, and lake-effect moisture.
Michigan licensing for Bathroom Remodel contractors
Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes (LARA) - required: $185 (residential builder) + exam. Board: https://www.michigan.gov/lara.
Mechanics lien deadline in Michigan: 90 days from last work. Preliminary notice: Notice of Furnishing required from subcontractors within 20 days of first furnishing.
Detroit Bathroom Remodel sales tax
Michigan sales tax: 6% (no local addition). Contractor pays Use Tax on materials brought into Michigan. Real property labor exempt.
Verify with the Michigan Department of Treasury.
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